Michael Eugene Ogden's Obituary
Michael “Mike” Eugene Ogden, 76, passed away August 11, 2022 at the Margaret Dozier Hospice House in Tallahassee, FL.
He is survived by his three children: Nathan Ogden, Kathleen Lipson (Spencer) and Sam Ogden. Also three grandchildren: Lilyana, Leland and Norah Lipson. Also former spouse and mother of his children Susan Miles.
Mike was born June 2, 1946 in Galesburg, Illinois. He was adopted by his parents Francis W. Ogden and Nellie Evalin (O’Brien) Ogden. Mike grew up in Illinois until around the age of 10 when he and his mother moved to Clearwater, FL after his father passed away.
After graduating from Clearwater High school in 1964 he attended Saint Petersburg Jr College and then continued his education at Florida State University where he earned a bachelors degree in English.
He worked as the Media Specialist at Leon County Public Library from 1980 To 2008 and on the side he was the Film Programmer for the Movies-in-Moore and Student Life Cinema film programs at FSU.
To say Mike was something of a film buff doesn’t quite do him justice. His knowledge of film, music, and general offbeat culture was without equal. He had a deep passion for all things theatre and music. As a boy he was very involved in theatre clubs and he even made his own film in the early 80s. He was also a singer/songwriter and recorded his own music, with a sound and style that was uniquely Mike.
He supported the local music scene by having a “Tallahassee Makes Music” CD selection of other local artists showcased at the library. He was also a scholar in his own right as he affectionately labored for many years on a book of old radio broadcasts, highlighting his favorite, Orsen Welles. His book expanded into a series, though he never quite finished it, it was a work of passion.
Mike was married twice, the second marriage resulting in his 3 children, whom he was very proud of. He had a soft spot for cats and you hardly ever saw him without a Diet Coke in hand. Not everyone understood his humor but he was exceedingly goofy and jolly. He was always ready for a laugh and it was contagious. He was generous to a fault and will be greatly missed by many.
A gathering to honor and remember Mike will be held on September 3rd. For more information contact Kathleen ([email protected]).
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