Michael Eugene Schlag,
a lifelong resident of the Salem area, passed away unexpectedly
on Monday, June 15th, 2010.
Michael grew up on his
family’s farm, the “Owl Roost Ranch”, east of Salem at
Howell Prairie. The
values of farm life and being self sufficient, instilled in
Michael by his parents, stayed with him all his life.
After graduating from McNary High School, Michael began a
career as a machinist. He
honed his skills working for McNary Machine in Salem for several
years and in 1990 opened his own business, River City Machine of
Salem, with partner Ron Burns. Michael took great pride in helping his customers and friends
rebuild machinery. He
came up with ingenious solutions to get equipment running again.
Michael loved old
machinery and over the years collected and restored antique
cars, old gas engines, tractors and even owned a working steam
locomotive. He was
a regular participant in Antique Powerland at Brooks, Oregon and
was an active member of the Horseless Carriage Club and Model T
Ford Club. He possessed a wealth of knowledge on old machinery that
truly amazed all who knew him.
In recent years
Michael returned to his roots with a rural home east of Salem
and named his home the “Owl Roost Ranch” in tribute to the
childhood home he loved so much.
He lived happily there with his dogs Kitty and Anna and
his collection of antique cars.
Michael is survived by
his sister, Ann Baker, her husband, David, and a multitude of
friends who will miss him dearly.
Remembrances may be
made to the Ava Baby Dachshund Fund at the Willamette Humane
Society, PO Box 13005, Salem, OR 97309.
A Celebration of Life
will be held for family and close friends at Weddle Funeral Home
in Stayton on Saturday June 26th.
For friends who wish to honor & remember Michael,
another gathering at Western Antique Powerland will be held July
24, 2010 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Arrangements
entrusted to Weddle Funeral
Services.
