Michael Staiger
1964-Oct. 29, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Michael Owen Staiger died peacefully on October 29, 2024, after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was sixty. He was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to Charles W. and Barbara A. Staiger. The family settled in St. Clair, Michigan, along the shores of the mighty St. Clair River. This, perhaps, was the origin of his lifelong love of rivers. Mike's childhood was full of love, encouragement, adventure, and more than a little bit of mischief.

He graduated from St. Clair High School before attending the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in English. At Michigan he enjoyed a close and enduring bond with his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers. After a brief stint in Washington, D.C., Mike moved to Chicago where he earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. Thereafter he joined Continental Bank, where he met his future wife, Debra Graham.

After two years in Continental's real estate department, Mike caught the entrepreneurial bug and headed west to Silicon Valley. He eventually settled in Palo Alto, California, where he forged a successful career in Tech through grit, hard work, and unwavering determination. He began his career in business development before shifting his focus to finance, ultimately serving as CFO. He loved working on a team; his tenure with the executive leadership at ThousandEyes was a career highlight. He was generous with his time and counsel, and delighted in being a mentor to many. He was deeply humble, preferring to highlight the accomplishments of others over his own. Outside of business, he was proud to continue the Staiger family support of The Salvation Army by serving on the board of the San Francisco chapter.

Mike was a man of great passion; when he decided something was worthwhile, he gave it his all. He enjoyed a challenge, whether it be charging up Old La Honda on his bike or strapping on a weighted pack to hike Windy Hill. He was known by all as a man of great humor and wit, and he had many deep and rewarding friendships. He loved music of all kinds, especially the Grateful Dead, and was passionate about fly fishing and fly tying - joys that he passed along to his children. He was happiest in August when he spent time with his family in Sun Valley, Idaho and visited the Lower Dean River Lodge in British Columbia to fly fish. He was at his most peaceful while wading the strong waters of the Lower Dean River, where his only worry was that he had to be away from Deb for a week. He loved morning glory muffins with raspberry jam and could often be found sitting on the steps of his home, wearing his Wayfarer sunglasses and watching the sun set with a tasty Cabernet or Sierra Nevada IPA in hand. Mike knew how to slow down and soak in the beauty around him, often inspiring others to do the same. He would choose a book over television any day, except on fall Saturdays when his beloved Wolverines were on the field. He believed in hard work, integrity, and kindness, and he brought out the best in people. Above all, Mike loved his family. His children were his moon and stars.

Mike is survived by his wife of 31 years, Deb, the love of his life, and his children, Owen and Emma. They made him proud each and every day. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Staiger, brother Bill (Debbie) Staiger, and sister Amy Staiger, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Staiger.

A memorial service will be held on December 14. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mike's name to Trout Unlimited, The Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.