Martin Michaelis

Martin Michaelis passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday September 16, at the age of 93.

Martin was born on July 29, 1930, in Bern, Switzerland. He was the 2nd son of William and Elisabeth Michaelis. He was followed by another brother and sister­ Martin and his siblings had the best of both worlds- living in a country-like setting yet a tram ride away across the Aare River where the beautiful Swiss capital had so much to offer.

When he finished his architectural studies, Martin headed to Sweden where he thought architecture was more progressive and interesting. He lived in Stockholm for 4 years then decided to move to Paris where he stayed a year, after which he ventured to check out NYC. He came to New York in 1961 -he said he loved the 1st year, saw the seedy side of the big city the 2nd year and by the 3rd year decided that it was where he would stay.

There Martin met his future wife Ingrid, whom he married in 1968. Martin's job before the wedding was to find them a place to live - which he did - a wonderful apartment at 67 Park Ave where the view from the bedroom window was the Empire State building. In 1971 when they decided to start a family and not wanting to raise children in the big city Martin contacted Bob Jackson, a fellow architect with whom he worked at the architectural office of Edward Durell Stone. Bob's family lived in Amherst, and he encouraged a visit.

After checking things out, Martin moved his family to Amherst where he and Bob founded Jackson & Michaelis Architectural firm. A few years later Martin went to Nashua to establish a partnership of Page, Michaelis, Rudolf- PMR.

Family was important to Martin, whose grandchildren called him Opi. He was active coaching soccer; participating in scouting events; hiking, skiing and engaging in many other activities. Martin was fluent in four languages and often relaxed in his Eames chair to read the WSJ and Time both of which published several of his Letters to the Editor.

Martin always believed in giving back to the community, which he did in many ways. He served on several Brick School Study committees (old timers know how many of those existed); and was on the Board of Trustees for the Amherst Congregational church where he was instrumental in having a sprinkler system installed. For over 30 years, he was Amherst's representative to the Nashua

Regional Planning Commission. Governor Jeanne Shaheen appointed him to the NH Board of Licensing for Architects and Engineers where he served a term as president. Gov. John Sununu put Martin on the State Board of Fire control where he was the architect representative. Martin served on that Board for 44 years and in January 2019 was honored by Gov. Chris Sununu and the Executive Council with a wonderful recognition ceremony at the State House.

Martin joined the Milford Rotary in 1974 and was proud to have been the Club's president in 1991 during the time in which the first two women became members.

Over the years Martin belonged to several men's discussion groups which covered topics of keen interest to him such as climate change, population growth, water pollution and noetic sciences.

Martin leaves behind Ingrid, his wife of 54 years; a son Matthew and his wife, Victoria, and their children, Jessa and Will; also, his daughter Elisabeth, and her husband, TJ, and their children, Abbie and Timmy. And a sister-in-law, Rosmarie Krosch. He also has relatives in Switzerland including an older brother, Dieter; a sister, Ursula and her husband, Jurg; nephews Daniel and Cornelius, and nieces Bettina, Marjel ,and Annalina and their families and another sister-in-law, Christiane.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Elisabeth; a brother Werner; and two sisters-in-law.

A private ceremony for the interment of Martin's ashes in the Memorial Garden at the Amherst Congregational church will be held at a later date. Martin particularly loved swimming in the Aare River where some of his remains will be scattered, thus bringing a part of him back to his homeland.

Calling hours at the Smith and Heald Funeral home in Milford will be on Thursday, September 28th from 5-7 pm. For those who wish, any memorial donations may be given to the Milford Rotary Club, Box 618, Milford, NH 03055.