Mike's Ohana
Remembering Mike
Michael Jon Sharpe, was born & raised in the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin (1 hour north of Green Bay). The 2nd of seven children, there was always something going on at the Sharpe's. Growing up he enjoyed fishing & hunting with his Dad and truly adored his Mom. He loved sports and played basketball, baseball and football and was a very good athlete. He attended St. Mary Grade School and graduated from Peshtigo High School. Mike was an altar boy but still managed to get into a little mischief, a real prankster - an attribute that followed him into adulthood.
After high school, Mike worked at the town papermill and after 7 years decided to make a dash and jump into a sales career. He started in life insurance and sold door-to-door. Then found success selling high end electronics. He was a "natural" in sales and broke into foodservice when he joined Hoffmaster Paper Co., in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was transferred to Portland, Oregon where he enjoyed the beautiful northwest. He moved back to the Midwest when the opportunity arose in Chicago. He loved the big city and lived in the heart of it all - downtown in the loop.
His dream of moving to California was realized when he was recruited for a sales management position at Comet Cutlery, now WNA. He moved to California on his birthday in 1991. On May 15th, 1993 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patty.
Mike's goal to own a business was fulfilled on November 1st, 2006 - he went back to his midwest roots purchasing The Woodshed in Orange. He treated every customer as a friend, and was always ready to give more than you ever thought you'd want to know about his Premium Firewood, Gourmet Cooking Wood or his beloved Green Bay Packers.
He absolutely loved everything about the Woodshed - the customers, his employees and worked 6 days a week sourcing the very best varieties of wood, opening restaurant accounts, and even splitting wood at times. He created Sharpe Gourmet Wood Chips & was on the verge of launching it - when on September 28th, 2009 he was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). His life & plans were halted as he began urgent aggressive treatment...
Michael was an AMAZING MAN & he was featured in the O.C. Register:
About Mike & the Woodshed:
http://www.ocregister.com/news/oak-200023-red-wood.html
When Mike needed a Prayer:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mike-217592-wood-desk.html
When he lost his Battle:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mike-339527-torres-business.html
the Celebration of His Beautiful Life:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/law-341163-dan-school.html
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