Michael Ben Margerum

Michael Ben Margerum was born to Joyce and Jonas Margerum on January 17, 1935 in Long Beach, California. He grew up in Elizabethville, PA enjoying a childhood filled with bicycles, baseball, fishing, and Boy Scouting.

Mike’s beloved grandfather, Fred P. Margerum was a creative and truly original man. Fred’s generosity of spirit and abiding good humor endeared himself to his community (and inspired his young grandson).

Mike loved baseball. He played 2nd Base for Elizabethville High and the Elizabethville “town” team. He played fast-pitch softball for Flip’s and the Washington Hotel until age 50. Mike was a life-long Boston Red Sox fan and a member of the Baseball Reliquary. He faithfully celebrated Eddie Gaedel Day every Aug. 19th.

Mike’s small town demeaner and shyness was shattered when he attended Penn State University and became a brother at Theta Xi fraternity. Mike nearly flunked out his first semester but once he discovered fraternity life he buckled down in the classroom to keep the good times rolling. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration in 1957. Mike was an avid Penn State Football fan.

Upon graduation Mike joined the family business, Swab Wagon Company, as a 4th-generation member. He sold custom truck bodies for hauling bread, bananas, ice cream and beer for ten years. In 1966 he was approached by Baltimore City Fire Department to build a new kind of ambulance to meet the demands of a city fire department. Mike designed and built the first Type 1 ambulance that had a separate body mounted on a truck chassis. Type 1 ambulances eventually became the standard for many EMS services in the country, and the company thrived. Many customers became his friend.

Mike was married to Barbara Louise Stoneroad later that year and three children were born: Ben, Mercedes and Rebecca. While raising their family, Mike and Barb drew childhood and college friends and their children into a tight knit “Gang” that remains close today.

A small cabin in Small Valley was built by Mike's grandfather Fred P. in the 1930’s. It was here that Mike founded the Loyal Order of Amiable Drinkers (LOAD). The Gang gathered here to celebrate friendship and family every Memorial Day and Labor Day for 60 years.

Swab Wagon operated a Studebaker dealership. Mike’s first job was pumping gas and greasing and servicing Studebakers. He loved automobiles. His first car was a Ford Model T purchased in partnership for $25.00. Mike drove a 1928 Studebaker to college and the love of Studebaker never left him. Mike was a fixture at Studebaker Drivers Club and Antique Studebaker Club meets for 50 years. He visited his friends in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe to participate in antique automobile tours.

Mike loved taverns. He spent untold hours drinking Yuengling Premium and telling jokes, re-telling stories and watching baseball in the dim and cool refuge of a barroom. Mike was famous for his songs, jokes, poetry recitals and limericks. Not all were suitable for young or sensitive listeners.

During Mike’s second marriage to Ann Lawson Buff (Stepchildren: Bruce, Jimmy and Philip Buff, Cindy Voripaieff) they built a cabin on a small island in Ontario. He spent many weeks and eventually entire summers on the island while boating, fishing and attending the local antique auto meets.

At 82, after a lifetime of parties, Mike found “the greatest party of them all”. He burned brightly for 10 days at Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert in 2016.

“The only thing more fun than fun is… more fun!” Mike lived this motto and the like-minded were drawn to him like a moth to the flame. Mike was an open book who wore his good cheer and optimism on his sleeve. His friends were attracted to a man, generous of spirit, with a joy of living, who invited them to share his fun-filled journey.

Mike was grateful for his blessings. If writing this missive, we imagine his last words would read:

“Thanks for Everything!!! …and remember, it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”

In addition to his many friends, Mike leaves behind:

Brothers: Tony (Ginger), Fred (Tommye)

Children: Ben (Erin), Mercedes (Don), Rebecca

Grandchildren: Jason Green (Scott), Jess Treese (Tony) and Wil, Henry & Alex Laskowski

Great Granddaughter: Claire Treese

Nephew: Stu Margerum (Jamie)

Niece: Mandy Margerum (Shawn)

Celebration of Life: 2:00-7:00 PM, January 18th, River Bend Venue, Millersburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts in Mike’s honor to: Boy Scouts of America – Troop 86 (Elizabethville) and Northern Dauphin Nursing and Rehab Resident Activities Fund.

See the comments section for details on gifting as well as additional Mike “fun facts” and photos.