Michael John Brzoznowski

A memorial to celebrate the life of Michael John Brzoznowski was held on April 12 at Metropolitan Community Church in Los Angeles. Michael died of cardiac arrest on March 30 in West Hollywood, Calif.

Born in Whitefish to Clemens and Norma Brzoznowski on July 27, 1961, Michael moved with his family to Washington state, Minnesota, and the Marshall Islands, where he completed his early education and made lifelong friends.

Michael graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Wash., and after moving to Los Angeles, he embarked on vocational careers in hotel services and the auto insurance industry. He later began a career in interior design and was near completion of his degree and certification at Santa Monica Junior Career College.

Though he struggled with illness, Michael lived life to the fullest. He loved to throw a party and was at his best when decorating for the holidays, redesigning a living space, or reupholstering a favorite chair. He enjoyed travel with family and friends, and took trips from Mexican cruises and New Orleans Mardi Gras, to cross-country road trips.

Michael’s support of his LGBT community was a proud and important part of his life. He was an active supporter of the Gay and Lesbian Center, the West Hollywood Gay Pride Festival, and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

His joyful spirit was also expressed in his celebration of the love of God. He was an active member of his church for many years, spending time supporting its various ministries, including the homeless outreach program.

Michael leaves a host of family and friends who will miss his eccentric sense of style, his staunch determination to support a cause he believed in, and his big smile and sense of humor.

He leaves to applaud his life, his mother, Norma (PeeWee Duff) Brzoznowski of Spokane, Wash.; father, Clemens Brzoznowski of Westminster, Calif.; sister, Janet (Finch) Gallegos of Burbank, Calif.; brother, Steven Brozoznowski (Kris) of Vancouver, Wash.; nephew, Javier Gallegos of Palm Desert, Calif.; and nieces, Marisa Gallegos of Burbank, Calif., (Alex), and Stephanie and Shaina Goerisch of Vancouver, Wash., who affectionately called him “Uncle Mike,” all who say “rest gently now and take a bow.”

Michael’s cremains will be interred in a private graveside memorial at Whitefish Cemetery on July 27.