Obituary: Michael Weinberg 1953-2016

The Verde Valley/Sedona area lost a favorite artist and friend on Sunday, July 24, 2016. Michael Weinberg passed away from a sudden heart attack while mountain biking with friends in Flagstaff, Arizona that morning.

Mike was born February 23, 1953 in Elmhurst, Illinois and grew up in Claremont, California. He moved to Arizona's Verde Valley in the mid 1970's after graduating from UC Irvine with a Bachelor's degree in English.

For over three decades, Mike pursued a career in ceramics. He was a gifted artist, and clay was his element. His art evolved into a myriad of hand thrown lamps, vases, plates and unique shapes with creative embellishments all representing the colors and elements of the Arizona desert that he loved.

His pieces were prized and awarded repeatedly throughout juried art shows and galleries from coast to coast. When not working in his studio, Mike enjoyed his favorite outdoor activities; cycling, alpine skiing, fishing, hiking, golfing and surfing with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane (Larry) Weinberg of Page Springs, AZ; his son Cody and Christie (Goff) Weinberg of Buellton, CA; his grandchildren Dylan and Brenna Weinberg of Buellton, CA; his parents Dick and Libby (Brennan) Weinberg of Carpinteria, CA; his siblings Tom and Bonnie (Winters) Weinberg of Carpinteria, CA; Matt and Sarah (Luckhardt) Weinberg of Bozeman, MT; Steve Weinberg and Stan Hoff of Portland, OR; Andy Weinberg of Goleta, CA; John and Katy (Weinberg) Harbison of Carmel, IN; and Arnold and Sally (Weinberg) Brooks of Carpinteria, CA.

Those fortunate enough to know Mike throughout his life cherished his friendship and appreciated his love of life, his smile, his ready laugh and his extraordinary artistic talent. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and the artist community.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for Sunday, August 28, 2016 at The Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ at 10 A.M. Dress is Sedona casual. Please arrive at the Red Rock High School parking lot by 9:30 A.M. to take advantage of the trolley shuttle arranged. Parking is very limited on the property. The Weinberg family invites friends and family to join them for light fare afterwards.

The favor of an RSVP is requested by August 14, 2016 in order to accurately accommodate everyone. Visit weinbergceramics.com (site should be updated as of 8/1/2016) and RSVP there. Information will be updated regularly, so continue to check the site often.

For those of you unable to attend the remembrance, a video and slide show link of the event will be posted on the weinbergceramics.com web page in order to accommodate everyone.

In lieu of flowers, please check the web page for information on the "Michael Richard Weinberg" scholarship fund that is being set up via the University of Northern Arizona that will serve to assist future artists. Thank you for helping the family to continue Mike's passion.

Information provided by survivors.