I could not be more sad today when I visited Weston Nursery and looked for my friend, Michael.  I knew Michael first from Tower Hill, where I presented MA Camellia Soc. exhibitions over many years.  I was happy to find him again at Sturbridge Village, and happily again at Weston.  He was the sweetest man who was so gently  smart and devoted to  horticulture who  shared his knowledge so wonderfully.   I treasure my memories of Michael.

I got to know Michael in special way and it was an honor and privilege of a lifetime. Best friend, confidant, moral support, mentor... he was all of that, and so much more.

It was recently my birthday and it was the first time in a decade Michael was not around to wish me a Happy Birthday. I cried all night the night before, and struggled to keep it together at work on the day of. If wishes could come true, I would give up 10 yrs of my life to have him alive again for just one more day.

I miss him everyday and harbor so much regrets that I wasn't a better person to him.

-DL

Such an exceptional man your husband/father/brother must have been to move his company to post such a loving, glowing tribute. So very young; know that he stands at the side of the Lord, ever and always watching over each of you.

Michael was a smiling face at Weston Nurseries, he was so outgoing and helpful. He was patient to give an answer to the simplest of questions.  I was always happy when I saw he was the salesperson to help me. 
He will be missed by the many people he helped have a more beautiful garden.

I was a volunteer at Tower Hill when Michael was there.  He was kind, genuine, and affable with all of us and the visitors too.  His smile and sense of humor could make my blood pressure go down a bit some days.  I am so sorry for your loss.  The world needs more of his gentle qualities.

I worked with Michael at Old Sturbridge Village. He was always incredibly kind, positive, and helpful. We had many wonderful conversations about flowers, baking, and Norway. I was so sad to hear about his passing. I know he will be missed by many people and my thoughts are with his family. 

I just today received this message in my mailbox.....I was at Weston last Sunday early afternoon talking with him so he must of suddenly passed after that!!!! I am saddened to hear this! He was always the helpful, kind, pleasant soul that was always there to help! I always looked forward to talking with him ! Sending prayers to his family ! RIP Michael!!!! Fly on Eagles Wings!!!!!!!

I remember Michael as a very kind and friendly boy in the summer of 1977! He loved „his“ garden, nature and going fishing! 

Michael and I became friends when I was an exchange student in Sudbury almost 40 years ago.

He was the best friend anyone could wish for, caring, kind, smart and with a great sense of  humor.  I see this reflected in the many memories shared on this website. I have wonderful memories of us travelling together in Europe, e.g. to visit Norway which Michael loved so much. 

My thoughts are with Michael's family and his many friends. I will remember him always. 

All of our family are so sad about the sudden death of Michael at such a young age. Our thoughts are with his mother Martha and the family. It will be hard to cope with the loss, especially for Anita.
Warmest greetings to all from your German friends Ingrid, Klaus, Isa, Naomi, Markus, Oliver and their families 

To Michael's family, 

We started out for the funeral this morning--didn't want to miss it--but slid all over the road and had to turn back to prevent an accident. 

Nothing else could have kept us away. Michael was such a lovely, lovely person. He helped me many times. He was a "plant buddy," and fellow traveler in the world of public relations and communications. 

He was so generous with his knowledge, humor, tech abilities, and his presence.

Last week I thought about him intensely. We hadn't been in touch in a while and I was missing him. I planned to call soon. Then the announcement arrived in my mailbox. 

I know he loved you all so very much, and was so proud of you. I enjoyed hearing him plan for trips to come see you--Mom--and how much his siblings meant to him. He would sometimes talk about his father and the love and respect still palpable after these many years. 

I have a beautiful shrub in front of my house that Michael helped me pick out. Every time I see it will be a reminder of his beautiful soul. 

 Although I am not with you today in person, I am there in spirit and am praying for him.

May his memory be a comfort to you all. Amen.

I’m so sorry to hear about Michael‘s passing You taught me so much about the trees I planted and the gardens I started 
I’ll miss seeing you at Western nurseries,  thank you for your smiles and your incredible knowledge you will be missed 

Mike I will miss your smile in every fitness class we attended together. You were a beautiful person  and will be missed by everyone at wayside.. rest in peace my friend.
Love Tara Byrne

I'm very sorry for your, (our,) loss.  He was such a nice, caring soul that I always looked forward to chatting with when visiting Weston Nursery. My prayers extend to his family and friends.

Dear Family members,

I knew Michael mostly at a distance but was always struck by his generosity and knowledge. What a beautiful and sweet man and my heart bows in contemplation of your grief. Know that I will keep him in my memory and feel for what is a profound loss.

Benjamin Dewey

So sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure working with him at Tower Hill during our Bay State African Violet Society shows.

What a lovely person!    I hope his family knows how much he'll be missed.   RIP Michael Arnum

I first met Michael in 1999 when I had interviewed with him for a gatekeeper's position at THBG and was subsequently hired by him. 

Michael was a great guy and I'm happy I had the opportunity to have known him all these years.

My heartfelt condolences to his family.



Michael was my second cousin and we met for the first time in 1987. From his many visits to Norway I will remember Mike always caring for everyone and everything around him and always dedicated.

We will always remember you

Kjetil and family

Visit by Martha, Anita and Michael at our summer place in western part of Norway summer 2018. We miss you Michael! You are in our hearts and thoughts. 
Helen & Tor-Arne

Michael I cannot express how sorry and shocked I was to hear about your passing.  You were a great person to know and to be with.  It just breaks my heart that you have passed on.  A very proud member of Sons of Norway and to know your Heritage so well.  May the good Lord watch over you and let the perpetual light always shine on you.  Will have you prayed for always and never be forgotten.

Elizabeth A Munnick - Sons of Norway - Norumbega Lodge #503

My deepest sympathy to Anita and her family.  Fondly, Marianne Fleckner

I was just getting to know Michael, as Anita's brother, who was there for her, cooking, and supporting her in her work and life.  He helped me with my tomatoes, shared recipes, and cooked for our gatherings around the fire pit during the pandemic - always amazing! He was a warm, generous and funny, and I know I will miss him. 

   It’s hard to find the words to describe Michael and the impact of his friendship, and this loss. He is everything others have already said – gentle, kind, intelligent, funny.  Michael and I first met thirty years ago at the fledgling botanic garden that we, and many others, would come to devote ourselves to. In that devotion, and through the hard work and long hours we worked to launch the garden, we forged lifelong friendships and came to rely on each other through ups and downs long after we left the garden. Michael was a steady, loyal friend and his loyalty to others and to causes he believed in defined his character. He was a man of great integrity – always counted on to show up, do the hard work, strive for excellence, and always do the right thing. He was compassionate – always reaching out in kindness where he perceived a need. It mattered not whether you were a human need in need, a cat or other animal, or a plant - he was your guy.
   As serious as he could be, Michael also had a funny side – very funny. I remember more than once getting off on a silly conversation that would have us convulsing with laughter, tears streaming down our faces, unable to stop the giggles. Even years later the mention of a silly incident or joke we shared would send us into fits of giggles. And there was always a new reason to laugh - a sunny side to every situation – a ‘dad joke’ for every occasion.
   It never dawned on me that our time together  - our dinners and birthday celebrations, visits to gardens and nurseries  - would end so soon.  I’m grateful that our little band of friends didn’t hesitate to give each other a hug and express our gratitude and love for each other. Michael’s essence will echo in our hearts and heads forever.
Godspeed, Michael. Godspeed.


Our deepest condolences from the Albrektsen family, both from us here in London and from Cornelia in Bergen. I have so many fond memories of Michael: our visits to Sudbury in the 1980s and 1990s, Snekkeviken in Norway, our trip to Windsor Castle in 2009, and - of course - when Michael and Martha came to our wedding in London. Although fairly distantly related, I always just referred to Michael as my cousin, and I really cherished our friendship. 

Michael can in my case be credited with one very specific thing: he taught me how to cook vegetarian food like a professional. Nearly 30 years ago, I could barely cook a potato, and opting for anything other than steak in Norway was severely frowned upon. On a visit to Boston, he realised how serious I was about making vegetarianism work, and immediately took me off to a bookshop to pick up a copy of the wonderful Moosewood Cookbook. He spent the next week or so teaching me how to cook a range of great veggie meals, always encouraging me even when faced with my total ineptness. This was a tremendous gift, and I always think of Michael every time I make the fabulous Moosewood spinach and ricotta calzone! 

Thank you for everything Michael - you are deeply missed. 

I’m so sorry and saddened to learn of Mikes sudden passing. I will always remember his kindness during  times at SUMC. My deepest sympathies. Debbie Cooper Crane 

Mike was one of my son's, Andrew, first Sudbury friends after we moved from New Jersey.  Mike took Andrew fishing in one of the ponds near our homes and showed Andrew how to let the fish return to the water.  They were fun to be with and over the years it was a pleasure to watch them develop into admirable people.

Mike was a regular at church and he was always a joy to greet.  My family and I will keep the Arnum family close to our hearts in prayer.

Peace and Grace,
 Sue MacCachran-Ingholt
Carrie, Brad and Andrew











Our deepest sympathy to you all at the tragic loss of Mike. He was always a joy to be around. A "hello" from him on Sunday morning at SUMC was always with such a pleasant smile and often a big hug.  He was always available if asked when it came time for a project.

Loved to visit him at the exhibits at the public gardens where he worked, which we did many times. He would give us a tour and explain what was currently going on.

We will greatly miss this gentle gentleman.

Sincerely,
Dick and Ruth Briden



Our sincere sympathy to Marty and Family!
There are many memories of Mike growing up in Sudbury. He was in the same Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop as our son and in which Jack was very involved as an Assistant Scout Master. At least once Mike went skiing at Gunstock with Scott and stayed in Wolfeboro at my parent's home. Since both of our families attended SUMC, there were many activities where we were all together.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time as we are unable to give our support to you in person,
Dotti & Jack Kay


Mike was a student in my group fitness class for many years; he was dedicated to his fitness regimen and lots of fun to have in class. We will all miss his smiling face and his weather reports.  He was such a kind person with a great sense of humor, it was a pleasure to know him. Rest in the sweetest peace my friend. 

To Anita and everyone else in Michael’s family: Stefan and I are so very sad to hear of Michael’s death.  We see the word ‘gentle’ appear in many remembrances of him, and it captures his spirit perfectly.  Hr was also kind, generous, and with a wicked sense of humor.  We will greatly miss his smiling face.  And also the amazing desserts he made.

I missed Mike so much when he left Tower Hill Botanic Garden. He was the one person who would go the extra mile when any of the plant societies of which I belonged to had to get in early on a weekend, or if I needed a special photo or access. He would come in on his day off to help anyone, and even would help clean up after flower shows on Sundays. Later, I became a trustee at Tower Hill, but he was already gone, and I missed his smiling face and sunny demeanor.  Time has passed, and now so has he, such a fine man and true gift to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Surely heaven has a new garden, where the birds will be fed and the garden tended to. 

If Mike’s baking, it’s bound to be something delicious!

So many memories of my cousin Michael….. from our younger years celebrating holidays  with our grandparents in Brooklyn to our family reunion in 2019. We had fun during summer vacations in Norway- will never forget the bonfires or the year with Michael’s helicopter/plane or standing on the bridge at dusk helping me try to photograph the bats. You really experience family bonding when the days are long and you don’t have tv or electronics to distract you.  And I am forever indebted to Michael for teaching us all the art of the perfect krumkake- a talent that eluded me for years. I can’t imagine our family get togethers without Michael - always the nicest in the group ( and quite the sense of humor too!)

Very sad news. I enjoyed working with Michael on projects & shows at Tower Hill. He was always a pleasure to run into at plant shows and sales and I will miss his ready smile and good attitude. Plant something nice somewhere in his memory!

Uncle Mike showed us boys a great time during our visit.  We will miss you and we love you!

-- Andrew, Nathan and Mario Caballero

When I read Anita's text telling me about Mike's passing, I was in shock. I had just texted Mike the day before and had lunch with him a couple weeks ago. Mike was my wing man... a dear friend and confidant. We shared and hashed out our issues as great friends do. He was a huge help to me when my partner, his buddy and former boss, John Trexler was dying a few years back. They developed a special, long term bond. His passing has punched a hole in my life, and my heart. I am a Buddhist and have been chanting for his spirit to find peace, joy and freedom in his next life. He will be deeply missed by me... and countless others who's lives he touched in incalculable ways...rest in power Mike... 

Michael,
You were one of my "kids" in the youth group at SUMC.  I will always remember your kindness and thoughtfulness as a young teenager.  It was a pleasure working with you.  

I am a friend from a professional PR association that is bonded as a tight community in our shared grief that such a good guy in Mike is gone. The unsettled wintery weather outside matches the bewilderment we feel upon learning this stunning and very sad news. Many of us were looking forward to seeing Mike at an annual breakfast reunion next month, a tradition that welcomes spring and reconnects us. 

More of us could learn from how intentional Mike was about his career choices. Making a difference for destinations and organizations about which he cared deeply, whose values he shared, and where he could be altruistic, was his North Star. We all cheered for him as we watched Old Sturbridge Village clues on “Jeopardy!” knowing that our friend was the reason for such a fantastic spotlight. He was as smart as he was nice, and always happy to be a pinch hitter at a professional development or networking event, which usually meant his camera was over his shoulder.

For anyone who wondered, the ‘APR’ you see after Mike’s name on LinkedIn reflects his completion of the public relations profession’s highly respected accreditation credential. He rounded out a power group of four experienced communicators who worked as a tight study group to see this goal through to a successful conclusion for all. That’s how I came to know him back in 2013 or so, and I was thrilled when he passed because it’s a rigorous certification exam process.

Heaven is going to have a spectacular floral landscape in no time flat. This is totally unfair. Mike, I should be seeing you on Marathon weekend, but instead, I will look skyward. I am sending peace and comfort in happy memories to Mike’s family and friends.  

💛 Loring Barnes


Michael was truly a light. I met him 10 years ago as a board member for a public relations group we belonged to, and from the get-go I enjoyed his company. He will be missed. I am better for having known him. Godspeed, my friend. / Dan Dent

I am so sad to hear of you loss.  Michael and I grew up the in same neighborhood in Sudbury MA.  And although he was much younger than me, I have very fond memories of he, his sisters and all the neighborhood kids playing together.  I had an opportunity to meet him  several years back and found him to be very kind, gentle and loving man.  I will be saying prayers to his family and friends in this most difficult time.

In Loving Memory,
Caron Scarano

OBITUARY

Michael John Arnum

October 27, 1968 – February 26, 2023

Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons

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