Mike Guy Obituary, Death – Mike Guy, a great friend of ours, has died. Mike belonged to Beit Halochem Tel Aviv. He was a very dignified man, a kind and engaging conversationalist, a devoted family man, and a devoted friend. He was, as we say, a “Mentch.” His life was an inspiration, and it is inextricably linked to Zionism and his devotion to the State of Israel. Mike was born in the Belgian city of Antwerp. During World War II, on the day the German army invaded Belgium in May 1940, he fled to England with his family. He studied economics and political science at UCL and painting at St Martin’s School of Art in London.
He came from a Zionist family and emigrated to Israel alone in 1960, swiftly assimilating into society and fighting in two wars. Mike, who served in both the Nahal Brigade and the paratroopers, believed that military service was the quickest way to integrate into society. Mike spent several years in the security forces, taking part in missions that are remain classified to this day. The airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel was one action he could talk about and was immensely proud of.
This later influenced several of his paintings. Mike was a brilliant painter, and as if that wasn’t enough to give to society, he used his talent to aid others. He used to visit a prison once a week for a couple of hours and teach young prisoners to paint. His inherent love for people served as an example and encouragement to others, demonstrating that even when life is difficult, one may return to the correct road. Mike spent practically his whole life playing tennis in Beit Halochem.
His life was turned upside down when his son, Eran, was assigned to the Golani Brigade, the Egoz elite unit, and was seriously injured during his military duty. But Mike, ever the optimist, refused to allow this startling incident tear his family apart. We will miss you, excellent man, and when we look at your wonderful paintings that decorate the walls of our workplace, we will remember how fortunate we were to have known a man like you. Peace be with you.