Michael Lantow Obituary

I cannot believe it's been nearly a year. Mike, or Miguel as he called himself when we met serendipitously only a couple months before we lost him, is still in my thoughts often.

My phone's screensaver still features a photo I took of him in Charleston, in his cyclist gear. He told me about a place where, if you arrived on a bicycle, you'd receive 2 complimentary margaritas! You don't normally receive such tips from a 75 year-old!! What fun he had up until his very last day. The photo is a daily reminder to me to live life to the fullest like Mike did.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Katy and Libby as you and we all mark this somber anniversary. Dang, I miss his wry smile.

Having just learned of my cousin Mike's death, I am still in a state of shock. I am so glad my husband and I visited him in Charleston the Summer of 2013. As he was when I was the kid cousin tagging along and as he was with Julie, he was fun and gregarious and happy and wonderful. He was planning on coming West so we could get together again. So sad to lose him so young.

I miss you so much

I would not have made it through nursing school without Mike, my favorite study partner, hands down!! Many a day we set up at Panerra Bread to read and talk and share information to prepare for class and tests. I had much admiration for him then and will miss him dearly now. It was a privilege to know him! Much love and prayers of comfort and peace to Katy and Libby, his family and friends. Job well done, my friend, rest well.

Katy, thinking of you and your family tonight. In reading all the beautiful comments here, I know that your dad was a truly amazing person. I hope your weekend is filled with love and beautiful memories. Love and prayers,

Mike Lantow was South Gate, I was Wilmas, but at Long Beach State we were brothers of Sigma Pi. I lost track of him until our Sig Pi New Year's Eve party in Long Beach in 2013. What a blast to ride with him in a Duffy Boat we couldn't control. Same smile, same wit. Sure glad we reunited when we did. Bless you Mike and best to your surviving family. Mike Ryan '63

Jill and I can't say enough about what a special person Mike was in our lives. I knew him from Jr. High School and Jill met him during our college years at Long Beach State. Mike was Jill's date the night I met her and we all have had fun reliving that story. While we somewhat lost track of each other during the early years of our marriage, Mike has always and will have a special place in our hearts. We became very close again during the past 15 years and it has been a blessing. It was as if we hadn't missed a beat.

Despite the tough times he went through and losing a beautiful wife at a young age, Mike never lost his positive outlook and fantastic sense of humor. He was a one-of-a kind and we are honored to have had him as a true friend and fraternity brother.

We loved him and will truly miss his insight. wit and love of life. Until we meet again, Peace be with you.

Libby and Katie, we think of Mike daily, he will never be replaced and never forgotten. We were privileged to be his friends. Judy and Bob

Mike was one-of-a-kind, and such an inspiration to live life to the fullest. Our hearts go out to you all as you learn to live without him. Sending love, light and big hugs.

I want offer my condolences to the family. I am so truly sorry for your loss. I pray the family has comfort and peace of mind during this difficult time.

Libby...
What an amazing life he lived...definitely to the fullest! Our family will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin, Melody, Chelsea, and Tyler

I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I worked with Mike at Lutheran Hospice. He was absolutely one of the best hospice nurses I have worked with. A really great guy!

From Jr. High through Long Beach State and then Navy years in Hawaii, on to our professional lives in both east and west coast business career locations, we shared a lifetime of friendship and brotherhood. Remarkably, we were able to start right back up as dear old friends after each separation-time, deepening our bond as we did. Selfishly - I have lost my longest-running best friend. Libby and Katy have lost a loving Dad. Sigma Pi Fraternity has lost a true brother in every sense. The world has lost a remarkable, joyous, Rennaisance Man -- who touched so many lives in his 75 years of living -- and in so many ways. Words simply do not do this man justice - at least not my words today - shock of his passing have given way to despair and personal loss - yet priceless memories also seem to be seeping in as well. Mike, you became my very best friend and I loved you, enjoyed our many adventures together, our arguments, our competitions, our brews at Joe Josts, and our travels with our friends for reunions to re-celebrate earlier days. Yes - sadness is still present - but joy has come in too, thank God. May those memories give Libby and Katy and all who loved you the strength to state their tribute to all you accomplished, who you really were in life, and to press on as you would want all of us to do. Mike ... man I loved you ... respected you as a wonderful Dad and husband, fellow Naval Officer, business leader, later an RN, and always with the unique "Lantow Smile." With that smile in mind, you old jokes ringing in my ear making me laugh hysterically, and the crazy trouble we often got into in our younger days ... I tearfully must say goodbye now ... yet you will be a part of me until the end of my days.
Lee Massick - Lake Tahoe area - CA

In my heart's core, I will miss Mike forever. May God bless his family and friends. Mitzi Robinson Stone, Auburn, California

From high school to college and 50 years later; always positive, always with a grin and uplifting at all times. I will miss you Mike.

Mike was one of my most significant friends, having shared with me many of the milestones in my life. I'll miss him terribly. Godspeed Mike.

Mike was one of our favorite people, we enjoyed many vacations with him and will miss him dearly. He was truly our dear friend.

One of our favorite people who loved his family dearly. He remains a great example of how to live one's life.

Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with the family at this time of sorrow.

Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with the family at this of sorrow.