Michael was a tremendous mentor to me early in my career, gently nudging me from "cowboy coding" into a more responsible and structured approach to software development.  He also gave me many opportunities to pause and reconsider things from music to grammar.  I still think of him to this day anytime I am tempted to use "Hopefully" or "unique" incorrectly .  Thanks to Michael, I read Atlas Shrugged.   I have fond memories of juggling with Michael and Alice (my wife Terri watching with barely concealed amusement)!

Michael was a wonderful friend and mentor to me in my early career. He influenced me in many ways and I was fortunate to know him and learn from him.

I can't believe I have survived for a whole year without Michael.  I miss him so much every day.  Living without him is really hard.

Alice,
Rich and I are so saddened to hear of Michael's passing.  We have so many fond memories of our trip with both of you to Australia, NZ and Fiji.  He was such an amazing photographer and gave us so many great photos (some of course edited) but we certainly appreciated his playful nature.

We are saddened to hear of Michael's passing away at such a young age. We developed a great friendship on the WARSIM project. When we chose to use the C programming language, Michael selected a C text book, developed a class and taught us all C - a perfect match for his skills.

While he was meticulous in developing a quality product, he was also plotting and implementing practical jokes in his spare time.  He forged a note from my boss asking me to give her a hard copy of my resume.  I took the time to update my resume and handed it to my boss.  She had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me.  Later, Michael was delighted to play the entire scenario over and over, giving us many laughs!   

Game days also provided many opportunities to test our skills as well as more laughs.  We ran around the nearby neighborhoods looking for houses from a group of photographs.  Each team snapped a photo to prove that we had found the correct house.  Some of the neighbors grew suspicious as they observed us all taking their photos!  Michael loved that!

I have so many stories, but I must tell just one more. When Michael knew that he was retiring, he had stopped taking his required training.  You know the ones; you have to take the same online class every year.  He talked his manager into delaying the due date on his classes, know full well that he would be retired before they were due.  He was clever that way.  

Alice, you were the love of his life and he was very proud of you. We pray for comfort for you and everyone who will miss Michael.

I didn't spend a lot of time with Michael, but each moment was truly memorable. His infectious laughter and quick wit lit up every room, making even the simplest interactions unforgettable. I can't think of him without picturing that distinctive smile/smirk – a mix of intelligence and mischief.

Michael's playful spirit shone through in the stories he shared like the time he took off work to hide in the house all day only to scare the heck out of Alice in the afternoon, creating a memory that, despite her initial shock, undoubtedly became a cherished tale. Alice did not have a favorable recall of this event.

He told me about a discussion with his swimming pool contractor where the contractor refused to design the pool based on only an equation, the contractor needed a drawing.  

His sage advice in software design was a true gift, frequently mixed with unexpected humor; this one delivered with that distinctive grin: 'Never use a GOTO; this is bad form, use COME FROMs instead.' 

His short quips of genuine wisdom continue to influence my work, a lasting legacy that I will forever appreciate.

As we mourn the loss of Michael, let's also celebrate the joy and wisdom he shared with us. My deepest condolences to his wonderful wife Alice and all of his loved ones during this difficult time."

Visiting you two was always fun!!  August 2019.

What a tremendous hole in our hearts for the passing of Michael. Michael And Alice were  Sq Dance sweetheart. Michael will be missed by all. We remember him as the most remarkable person wearing a smile for everyone. He was a genius and his wife just as smart. We will always value his generosity and willingness to help everyone. Alice,  we are so sorry that words cannot truly express our sorrow. 
Our love and prayers for you will continue daily. 
Scotty and Marlene

Michael's stories and humor will always live in my heart; his friendship meant a great deal to me. All the years we enjoyed getting together socially, dancing and traveling together are fond memories.  I am happiest he lives on worldwide as a helper and friend to the thousands who have viewed the videos made by The Traveling Hoedowners. His sincere desire to allow others to learn and enjoy his beloved pastime survives him.  My prayers go out to his one and only sweetheart, Alice, always by his side. Her loving care of him in his last years was beautiful to witness. Michael will be dearly missed!

Many years ago Michael and I shared an office at UNH.  Always the practical joker, I never knew where my phone would be when it rang - maybe in a desk drawer, maybe on a filing cabinet,   and then there were times that the handset was disconnected.  Never a dull moment!

After they moved to Florida he and Alice opened their home to our two young children and us several times, giving Ken and Chris the opportunity to go to Disney World, Sea World, and other local attractions.

More recently Michael provided me with considerable advise on audio and camera equipment and we had many good email discussions about photography.

Michael was a good friend and will be missed.

We first got to know Mike and Alice when they lived near us in Portsmouth NH and Mike worked with Brian at UNH.  Mike was famous for his practical jokes.  After they moved to Florida they convinced us we would be foolish not to visit them with our two young children. Free room and board and the loan of a car - an hour from Disney World and Sea World.  The kids were thrilled, so we went three times over six years.  

On the first visit I expressed concern about the rocket launch scheduled for that morning at Cape Canaveral.  "What if it explodes?"  "Nothing to worry about,"  Mike assured me.  So that morning I took the big bath towel Alice offered and headed into the shower to shampoo.   About 4 minutes into lathering up I feel the house shake and hear BOOM-BOOM-BOOM.  Towel around me, shampoo dripping off, I open the bathroom door.  Mike is there ,  an ear to ear grin on his face, Alice is rolling her eyes and shaking her head. I hear the 1812 Overture playing at top volume! BOOM went the cannons again.  Michael's grin even wider!  Yes- he got me!!

Fond memories of those three fun visits.  Good friends - Mike will be missed.

Alice,
I was saddened to hear of Michael's passing. We went to High School together and this Saturday we are holding our 55th informal HS reunion. Mike reached out to me many years ago offering to help with our web site.  He has always been very kind. 
I speak for our class in offering you our deepest condolences.

Alice,
Sorry to hear about the passing of Michael.  Every time I visited you all, he always had a big smile on his face.  Such a genuine person.  May the memories help you through this time.

Thinking of you,
Chris

Alice, 
     Peter and I were very saddened to hear of Michael's passing.  We are so sorry for your loss. You both complimented each other so well, and I know Michael was also your best friend.  I'm so glad you and Michael got some time together to travel and for the years you were able to square dance together.
     When I worked with Michael at SAIC, he was so incredibly smart and always willing (and able) to help solve any difficult software problems the other programmers brought him. (I feel like Michael would tell me to take out the word "always" in that last sentence because it's too literal; I know that would have bothered him, but somehow replacing it with "mostly" doesn't pay homage to the incredible generosity he showed coworkers.)
     I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Michael, and even more grateful for his friendship over the years.  My heart aches for you in your grief, Alice, and I wish you peace and comfort.
Patty Condon

Alice, I am so sorry to learn of Michael’s passing. I love the pictures and reading the happy memories. Cherish them always. May peace be with you both. Warmly. Patti

When I think of my brother I remember how smart he was and how he loved jokes. When he was in high school he would come over on his motorcycle and bring his joke book. While I cooked dinner for my family he followed me around reading the jokes. 
I loved my brother and will miss him but I know how sad Alice is,they meant so much to each other. I’m so sorry Alice. Love you, Patty

I'm so sorry Alice!  This is a tough time for sure.

I will always treasure the many memories I have of the good  times I spent with you and Michael.  I first met both of you at Insystec so long ago.  Remember what a crazy place that was?  Michael was a brilliant engineer with a funny sense of humor.  Remember some of the outrageous practical jokes he played?  I sure do!

I'll always remember the fun times we had at your house, playing ping pong and pool and watching movies.  I'll also remember the crazy "game days" we had.  There were some good ones!  Michael had us doing some pretty wild things in those!

Of course, I remember our big trip to New Hampshire and the White Mountains.  What a beautiful place!

I also am very grateful for all the help Michael gave me with my career.  He helped me get two of my jobs at times when jobs were very hard to get.  Because of his recommendation I was able to get my job at ISR.  Later, through his recommendation, I got my job at SAIC.  I never would have gotten that job without him.  He was the best!

Michael made a huge impression on me and changed my life in many ways.  I'll forever miss him and be grateful to him!

Dear Alice:
What an extremely difficult time for you!  Everyone who square danced at Whirl & Twirl wanted to be in the square with you and Michael.  What great memories.  
We pray all those wonderful memories will warm your heart and give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
We are praying for you.
Gary & Donna Verdino

Alice, so sorry for your loss.  You’ll always have your memories of Michael to make you smile.  You are in my thoughts & prayers.
We will all miss Micheal, he touched so many in the square dance
Community.  John Price

Michael and Alice were the first people I met when I took up square dancing.  He was one of my favorite people.  Since I stopped dancing, I have thought of him and Alice often and missed them.  Yellow rocks.

February 24, 1950 - September 1, 2023

Michael passed away on September 1, 2023 after a long battle against Alzheimer’s disease.  He had signed up to be an organ donor many years ago, but because of his Alzheimer's disease that was not possible.  I found the Central Florida Brain Bank that does Alzheimer's research and arranged for his brain to be donated.  I know Michael would be pleased that this research may help others with this devastating disease.

Michael is predeceased by his parents, Byron and Mae Craft, his older brother James, who lost a terrible fight against cancer at the age of 29, and his brother-in-law Richard Flathmann.  Michael is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Alice Nims Craft, and his widowed older sister, Patricia Craft Flathmann, now living in New Jersey near her son and daughter-in-law, as well as three nieces and four nephews and their children.

Words cannot describe how much I miss Michael.
Michael’s Loving Wife, Alice

Contributions may be made as a memorial gift to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
https://brightfocus.org/stopAD/

We were greatly saddened to learn of the Michael's passing.  So many memories of great times dancing and socializing with Michael and Alice are stored in our hearts.  He will surely be missed by all who knew him. To Alice and the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.            

OBITUARY

Michael A Craft

February 24, 1950 – September 1, 2023

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