Michael was a life-long learner, a curious intellectual, and inspiring teacherHe attended Amherst College and Stanford University and taught economic history around the world. He worked as an economist, consultant, development director, teacher, portfolio manager and retired as a successful private investor. He was a kind human, an animal lover from bugs to bears, and generous donor to the philanthropic causes and themes that he felt would improve our world. He lived a life of adventure–traveling the world as a teacher, fisherman, mountain climber, conservationist and most importantly, with the love of his life Terry Galpin-Plattner.