OBITUARY: Michael Avelar, 1983-2025 | Lost Coast Outpost

Michael
Avelar, of McKinleyville, passed away on November 29, 2025 at the age
of 42 after living for many years with Machado Joseph’s Disease.

He
was born on March 15, 1983, in Arcata to Henry and Maria Avelar. His
arrival marked the beginning of a life defined by curiosity,
creativity, and deep connection. Michael grew up surrounded by a
warm, close-knit family who often gathered with relatives and
friends—always with plenty of food, laughter, and love.

As a boy, he loved playing Magic cards,
exploring computers, and reading fantasy books late into the
night—long past when he was supposed to be asleep. In his early
teens, he enjoyed playing golf. Michael joined a model rocket club,
building rockets with friends and his close cousin, Jason Lowe, and
delighted in launching them thousands of feet into the sky. His
fascination with the cosmos led to countless nights of telescope
viewing and astrophotography. Michael always wanted to understand how
everything worked and why, a lifelong curiosity that shaped much of
who he became.

At
McKinleyville High School, Michael excelled academically. He was
intellectual, scientific, and absorbed knowledge like a sponge. He
thrived on challenging projects—often working extra hours simply
because he loved learning.

His passion for computers led him to pursue a
career in programming. After attending Humboldt State University,
working in the photo department at Longs Drugs, and living in Arcata,
Michael moved to Seattle, Washington. There, he spent most of his
adult career as a valued computer programmer at Moodlerooms, working
alongside his close childhood friend, Mark Nielsen, before returning
to his hometown of McKinleyville in 2012.

Michael enjoyed camping, fishing with his dad,
mushroom hunting & traveling—visiting Japan and Europe with
Mark, spending a summer in the Azores with family, cruising to the
Bahamas and Alaska, and taking many road trips, including two RV
journeys across the United States & Canada to see national parks
and monuments.

In later years, Michael turned inward toward
spirituality. He found joy in spending time with family, taking
scenic drives, and experimenting in the kitchen — making jams, cider,
preserves, and baked treats, all “in the name of science.” Michael’s love of nature remained constant throughout his life. He
also continued to enjoy his evenings playing video games.

Michael
was preceded in death by his mother, Maria, and his brother, Nelson.
He is survived by his father, Henry; his sister, Melissa; his aunt
Elizabeth, her husband Geoff Wright; his cousins Grace, Gavin and
Garrett.

The
family extends profound gratitude to all of Michael’s health care
providers, and especially to Jeremy, who lived with Michael as his
primary caregiver and friend.

In
honor of Michael, donations may be made to the National Ataxia
Foundation to help find a cure and ease for others. A celebration of
his life will be held at a later date.

https://www.ataxia.org