Obituary of Michael P. Remsing

Michael P. Remsing, 59, died peacefully in the comfort of his loved ones, on July 20^th in Bend, Oregon.  Michael was born on January 23, 1962 in Spokane, Washington, to Frank R. and Patricia A. Remsing.  He was the youngest of three children.  At the age of 3, Michael’s family moved to Portland, Oregon, where he later attended Cleveland High School, graduating in 1980. 

 

Following High School, Michael received his Associate Degree from Mt. Hood Community College.  He spent many years working as a financial auditor with Consolidated Freightways.  In 1999, he met his husband, Randy Tjaden, a business owner in the funeral industry.  Michael came up with a vision for a new business that would support our community to a new level.  In 2000, Michael opened Dignified Pet Services, a funeral home and cremation center for pet owners and their beloved animal companions.  With “Dignified”, Michael found joy in helping others, caring for pets, and meeting many wonderful friends. 

 

Dignified Pet Services was his passion, and it became the premier provider of pet aftercare in the Portland market.  It was ahead of its time as the first pet funeral home in our nation.  Michael was so proud of his accomplishment and he became involved in anything and everything pet related in the Portland area.  For many years he served on the Board of Directors of Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital as well as the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. 

 

Michael loved surrounding himself with others.  He enjoyed entertaining his family and dearest friends with his gatherings and his humor.  He was known for the occasional “mishap”, and “Oh, Michael!...” was a phrase he heard many times through his life.  Michael loved music, particularly show tunes, and he wasn’t bashful about cranking the volume nor singing aloud.  He was an avid Broadway-goer; and a traveler, holding his motor coach trips and experiences with his husband and their dogs very close to his heart.  They travelled all the usual tourist destinations together through years of touring our beautiful country.  Planning and navigating a trip was exciting for him, though he occasionally needed reminding that a motor coach doesn’t fit through the drive-up at Burger King.

 

In 2017, his retirement was prompted by his health needs.  Michael’s heartless work, however, did not come to an end.  He began putting his time into volunteering with Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, and with his loving dog, Hunter, they became a Certified Pet Therapy team.

 

Michael is survived by his husband, Randy Tjaden; stepchildren, Tara (Jesse) Pascoe and Nic (Amy) Tjaden; sisters Janet Remsing and Cindy (Fred Elliott) Statham; 4 grandchildren who loved their “Papa Michael”, Ryder, Marlee, Ally and Andi; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, including his dear cousin, Linda Dundon.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Patricia.

 

In honor of Michael and to respect his wishes, family will gather privately to celebrate his life well-lived.  Those interested in donating in Michael’s honor may send their contributions to the Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, Volunteer Services Fund.  Checks can be addressed to Legacy Health with a note in the memo section for Meridian Park Volunteer Services Fund.  Address: Legacy Health, PO Box 4484, Portland OR  97208.

 

 

 

 

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