Michael Robert Groh, life partner of Pamela Lei Smith, father to James Michael Groh, second father to Sarah Allison Wood, and grandfather to Jovian Ezra Barrs left our world after his heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. He is also survived by sisters Jean Gaines, Carol Marlow, Sue Groh, and Kathy Groh, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Michael is the son of Michael Robert Groh and Hazel Kelly Laux, both deceased.
Michael was a man of great intelligence with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was a scientist, a life long learner, and an excellent teacher. Education was one of his highest values. He earned an M.S. in Clinical Chemistry from the University of Iowa (Iowa City) and an M.B.A from Northeastern University (Boston, MA). He was an accomplished author and speaker. He wrote or contributed to more than 20 different computer books, and has written more than 200 technical magazine articles and editorials. He was involved in every Microsoft Access Beta program since the inception of Access 1.0 at the Windows World Conference in 1992.
His recreational activities were wide ranging, dabbling in everything from programming fractals, reading, learning to play the guitar, collecting watches, and remodeling his house. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of World War II history with a book collection to match! He could build or repair anything from a deck to a computer to a BMW.
Michael was a quiet man who loved his work and his family with all his heart. He endured his illness with great dignity that has been inspirational to those who have been close to him during this time. He is loved eternally and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
You are invited to join Michael's family in the fight against pancreatic cancer by making a donation in his memory at:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/michaelgroh/KeeptheMemoryAlive
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 20, 2023
Family
Jovian Barrs
thats my grandfather!!!! hes famous!! and by extension, im famous!!!
November 15, 2011
Jackie Hill
We are so sorry to hear about Michael's passing! We will keep you in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Moffitt CRU staff
November 10, 2011
April Cross
My condolences to the Groh / Smith family in this time of sorrow.
November 10, 2011
Norma Lindahl
Pam and family, I'm sorry for your loss. Our loss. Mike was a good friend. I'll never forget him. He was the one who first drove me out to Boston and let me stay with him till I found a job and a place to live. He also gave me my first car ... that cute little BMW 1600 which he rebuilt the engine on himself. I am very happy I had the gut instinct to introduce him to Pam because it seems they had a very full life together. Though it's way to early for him to go, I'm glad he had a happy and successful life and family.
November 10, 2011
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Stephen Forte
Mike was a great colleague and a great friend. I will miss you Mike. RIP
November 9, 2011
Karin Arden
Michael will remain in our hearts forever and we wil always cherish the time we spent together and the shared the moments spent. We especially wil lbe eternally grateful for the joy he brought to my Dad, Fritz's, life these last few years.
Pam, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. As always, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karin & Jim Arden
Gerda & Fritz Goebel
November 9, 2011
Thank you for the privilege of sharing your life and especially this past year. I hope I was able to bring some comfort to you. I love you always and forever, Pam. You are the one.
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My condolences go out to you and your family. My love, support and friendship are with you through this time.
You are in our thoughts every day...Our sincerest love and affection - Beth, Bryan, Bella and Bree Stotts
November 6, 2011
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