Michael Russell Wing

Michael Russell Wing passed away unexpectedly February 20, 2018 in his home in Medford, Oregon at the age of 60. He was born June 29, 1957 in Medford, Ore. to Herb and Janet Wing.

After one semester at Yale, he graduated from the University of Oregon in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, and in 1985 from Pacific Christian College with a Master of Arts in Church Growth and Leadership. He married Kathy Hansen, his college sweetheart, in 1978.

After graduating from U of O he and Kathy moved to Roseburg, Ore. where Michael began working for Roseburg Christian School as a teacher, taking over as principal shortly thereafter. In 1983 they moved to Fullerton, California so Michael could pursue his masters degree in church ministry. While living in California he served as an associate pastor at Griffith Park Christian Church in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles and Tujunga Christian Church in Tujunga. In 1986 he and Kathy moved back to Roseburg, where he became associate pastor and music minister at Westside Christian Church, positions he held for 11 years. He was a proud member of the Roseburg Concert Chorale, and the Vintage Singers, eventually directing the latter. It was with the Vintage Singers that Michael had the opportunity to sing on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York, New York. During this chapter of his life, Michael and Kathy had three children, David in 1980, John in 1985, and Matt in 1990.

In 1998 the family moved to Medford after Michael was offered the position of music teacher at St. Mary’s School. Over the next 17 years he shared his passion for music with countless students while building the school’s choral and instrumental music programs. He also served as the head of the fine arts department, and as community service director. Here, Michael was able to realize his love of public address, as he became “The Voice of St. Mary’s Athletics,” announcing contests for football, basketball, soccer, track and field, and other competitions.

As he had in Roseburg, Michael soon found himself at home with numerous choral groups in the Medford area. He sang with the Rogue Valley Chorale, Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Rogue Opera, and Brava! Opera Theater. With his rich baritone voice he was often called upon to sing as guest soloist for programs both in Roseburg and the Rogue Valley. He performed in several productions at Camelot Theatre. He also music directed productions at Camelot, the Randall Theatre Company, and the Teen Musical Theatre of Oregon. In 2008 Michael returned to music ministry as he took on the role of choir director for Westminster Presbyterian Church, the church of his youth. After retiring from St. Mary’s in 2015, Michael filled his time with more music and ministry. Just prior to his death, he was actively teaching private voice lessons, music directing “Once Upon a Mattress” for Teen Musical Theater of Oregon, singing with Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, directing the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir, and arranging music for a musical theater revue show in Grants Pass. He was also mentor, counselor, and encourager to an ever-growing number of students and friends.

Michael was a devoted family man, husband, and father. He delighted in telling others about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He considered one of his greatest accomplishments being called Grandad.

Michael is survived by his wife, Kathy; his three children, David, John, and Matt; two grandchildren, Daniel and Joshua; his brother, Hal; and his aunts, Sharon Nicoll and Corrine Lombard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Janet.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the Craterian Theater in downtown Medford, with reception to follow. Any who wish to attend are invited to do so. Condolences may be posted to the Facebook group “Remembering Michael Wing.” The family is specifically requesting that pictures of Michael be posted there so that all can enjoy them.

Perl Funeral Home & Siskiyou Memorial Park

2100 Siskiyou Blvd

Medford, OR 97504