Michael Romans

Michael Gerard Romans, born June 8, 1936, in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Baltimore, MD Our beloved friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather returned to the earth naturally at the age of 82 years with daughter Jennifer, son Mark, son, and daughter-in-law Michael and Barbara, and their mother and his first wife, Nonie Ellis at his side the afternoon of September 16, 2018, in hospice care, Denver, Colorado after suffering a crippling embolic stroke Sunday, September 9, 2018. He is survived by his second wife, Claudia Shannon Romans of Boulder, Colorado; daughter, Jennifer Joan Burger (Stephen) of Katy, Texas; son, Mark Alexander Romans of Michigan; granddaughter, Ava Laine Deerdoff (Steve) (great-grandchildren, Stephen, Zoe and Sebastian) of Tomball, Texas; grandson, Stephen Michael Burger of Houston, Texas; son, Michael Anthony Romans (Barbara) of Bulverde, Texas; step-grandson Tim McDaniel (Vladimir) of Florida; step-granddaughter Heather Nightingale (John) (step-great-grandchildren Aaron and Sophia) of Dedham, MA; nieces Sue Young (Alan) and Anne Dunlap, nephews Paul Johnson and Michael Johnson (Lorna) of Maryland and their families. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Dorothy Guizzordi; father, Harry Gerard Romans; sister, Joan Clay; and nieces Carol Johnson Finlayson and Lisa Johnson. Michael served his country proudly as an instrument specialist in the US Air Force for 4 years. He was stationed in Germany, achieving honorable discharge in 1957. Post-military, Michael traveled the world with his work as an electronics engineer. He worked for E-Systems (LTV) in Texas and in Viet Nam for 6 months during the war. Michael also worked with Martin Marietta Corp in Florida, Datapoint Corp in Texas and Storage Tech Corp in Colorado. He retired from work at the age of 62. Baptized and schooled Catholic, he converted to atheist skeptic early in life. Michael was an accomplished artisan, woodcrafter, carpenter, and philosopher. He was a great listener and our non-judgmental life counselor. Michael was fully accepting of non-traditional lifestyles, and a pioneer in cannabis research. We miss his great hair, awesome whistling, snappy attire, and fun-loving sarcastic wit. He was an avid sports fan, especially NFL football – favorite teams: Ravens and Redskins (Dad always detested the “home team”). Michael wagered with son Michael most game-days and finished in the black by a wide margin. His favorite authors were Phillip Roth, Joseph Heller, Omar Khayyam. His hobbies: reading, golf, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and gardening. Favorite flavors: Tabasco Sauce and Martini. His favorite meals: steak with béarnaise, spaghetti carbonara, pork chops, and beans. Nicknames: “Garth”, “Garp”, “Mr. Fix-it-all”, “Daddy Mike” to son Mark Famous quote: “If it hurts, stop doing it” Michael owned homes in Winter Park, FL; Garland, TX; San Antonio, TX; and Boulder, CO. He rode an orange 1977 BMW R75/7 motorcycle with style for many years in Texas. Bon Voyage, Dad. Thanks for all you’ve given us. We miss you dearly, and will always love you. If there is an afterlife, enjoy it to the fullest.