Louis Michael Zale Jr.
Louis Michael “Mike” Zale, Jr. soared to his final resting place on October 8, 2023. As a family, we thank him for holding our spots until we get there. His principles and virtues will live on in our lives and beyond.
Our humbly ambitious and fiercely loving patriarch embraced life’s challenges with determination, dignity, and grace, especially his final struggle with Parkinson’s. Throughout his years of study and work, Mike found the resolution to enlist in the Army, graduate from OCS and flight school, raise a family, and explore his inclinations with enthusiasm, chief amongst them bluegrass music. Aside from his guitar and banjo plucking prowess, Mike was an acclaimed helicopter pilot, serving tours in Vietnam and Korea. After his seven years in the military, Mike continued his helicopter legacy for over 45 years. He worked for various helicopter companies in a variety of critical roles, which included serving as certified flight instructor, production test pilot, developing training programs and pilot flight manuals, and being a designated engineering representative for the FAA. He retired in 2014 after 29 years with MD Helicopters. Mike had many accomplishments that made him special, not just to us, but also the world. But what made him a once-in-a-lifetime human was how he left an impression in everyone’s mind and on everyone’s heart.
Be it working around the globe, playing bluegrass music, or being a friend to many, especially fellow Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and most recently, his Banner Neuro-Wellness Fitness buddies, he always found time to share a smile, look you in the eyes, and ask you with nostalgic sincerity “how are you?” Mike had that rare quality of authenticity. And he is missed.
His legacy will live on through his wife, Jan Zale; his daughter Amanda Comstock (Mel), granddaughter Emily Zale Comstock; and his son Louis Michael Zale III (Tanya) and step-grandson Alejandro Carillo. Catholic mass will be held in his honor at 1:00 pm on October 16th at St. George’s Catholic Church in Apache Junction, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory to Neuro Wellness Charitable Organization (NWCO) 207 N. Gilbert Road Basement 4, Gilbert AZ 85234 info@NWCOAZ.com , Disabled American Veterans – DAV – Chapter 1 of Phoenix, 111 E Dunlap Ave, Box 1-602, Phoenix, AZ 85020, or Hospice of the Valley www.hov.org
Save a place for me , my High School Friend .. in the Baritone Section of Heaven’s Marching Band. Ralph (Marmion Military Academy Cadet) … and 134th Assault Helicopter Company (Demon 14) Vietnam.
Mike! You have always been a great friend. I remember when I first met you & found out you were a helicopter pilot. I told him it was nice to meet someone normal . He said “Helicopter pilots are NOT normal.” We were always glad to see him . And seeing him with Jan made them both complete.
To my friend Mike Zale. You left this world too soon but you left this world better place through all the people who had the good fortune to have crossed your path.
Rest in heavenly peace.
Eric Ottens
We just want to let you that Michael & your family are in our prayers. We didn’t get to know Michael that well, but he sounds like someone that could inspire anyone he met. Being a fellow veteran I also thank him for his service to his country. Jan, may the Lord also comfort you & your family. May hos soul rest in peace , amen !!
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and condolences ❤️🩹
My wife, Maggie, and I have known Mike and Jan for only a few years. We are “bluegrass friends”, knowing the Zale’s from Apache Junction jams and their jams at Leisure World. Also, the last couple years I have played banjo and guitar with Mike and Jan’s band, Alpine Divide. I don’t believe anyone could ever “replace” Mike. My hope is that by playing in his band, I can carry on his legacy and his love for the music. May the “circle be unbroken”, Mike. Blessings and peace to Jan and the rest of his family.
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Mike was an inspiration to those who knew him. While we are new acquaintances, we were so impressed by his courage and fight for life during his struggles with Parkinsons. He came out to all Blue Grass Jams with Jan. He was always pleasant to be around and know it had to be hard not to play any longer! Mike you are free and soaring with the angels and playing with all the great Bluegrass musicians who I’m sure have a place for you! Our deepest condolences to Jan and the family.
When a person loses someone dear to his heart, words of lamentation stumble in an attempt to describe the deep sadness that ravages the heart. The feelings sweep through with their remarkable sadness, and the words fall like tree leaves in the fall . They tell the story of loss and sorrow, express the nostalgia that overwhelms the soul, and between the pages of lamentation remain memories of the dear deceased. They shine like stars in the clear sky, reminding us of their love and kindness, imprinting their impact on our hearts forever.
Mike was a distinguished , delightful friend. Although the period of our work together was short, but was rich , unique in human interaction and connection. I am from the East and he is from the West, each with a different culture and history, but humanity and love transcended every difference in origin and culture We worked together as he was a professional trainer and a skilled pilot. I have learned a lot from him he told me stores ,lots of them ..mostly about his military service..had lots of laughs together ,.. his hidden sarcasm.
His jokes, his loving and fun spirit are unforgettable, he charms you with his looks smiles and kindness, compassionate offered us very generous treatment. With Jan they invited us over their house for dinner, where I got to meet Jan. We stayed up late,talked laughed, Long discussions and political arguments , more laughs when he puts the Arabian scarves covering his head….. Then days passed, he and Jan visited us in Jordan. Travelled to Jerash, Patra the archaeological locations in jordan, we hosted them in my house, they got to know my wife and daughters my brother and his Russian wife .. they were memories. We cherish those times and still remember… then death came and played the final act in Mike’s life.. sadness visits us and breaks our hearts, time after time the pain of loss of our loved ones is hard and heavy , this is the life norm I guess … Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Save a place for me , my High School Friend .. in the Baritone Section of Heaven’s Marching Band. Ralph (Marmion Military Academy Cadet) … and 134th Assault Helicopter Company (Demon 14) Vietnam.
Mike! You have always been a great friend. I remember when I first met you & found out you were a helicopter pilot. I told him it was nice to meet someone normal . He said “Helicopter pilots are NOT normal.” We were always glad to see him . And seeing him with Jan made them both complete.
To my friend Mike Zale. You left this world too soon but you left this world better place through all the people who had the good fortune to have crossed your path.
Rest in heavenly peace.
Eric Ottens
We just want to let you that Michael & your family are in our prayers. We didn’t get to know Michael that well, but he sounds like someone that could inspire anyone he met. Being a fellow veteran I also thank him for his service to his country. Jan, may the Lord also comfort you & your family. May hos soul rest in peace , amen !!
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and condolences ❤️🩹
My wife, Maggie, and I have known Mike and Jan for only a few years. We are “bluegrass friends”, knowing the Zale’s from Apache Junction jams and their jams at Leisure World. Also, the last couple years I have played banjo and guitar with Mike and Jan’s band, Alpine Divide. I don’t believe anyone could ever “replace” Mike. My hope is that by playing in his band, I can carry on his legacy and his love for the music. May the “circle be unbroken”, Mike. Blessings and peace to Jan and the rest of his family.
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Mike was an inspiration to those who knew him. While we are new acquaintances, we were so impressed by his courage and fight for life during his struggles with Parkinsons. He came out to all Blue Grass Jams with Jan. He was always pleasant to be around and know it had to be hard not to play any longer! Mike you are free and soaring with the angels and playing with all the great Bluegrass musicians who I’m sure have a place for you! Our deepest condolences to Jan and the family.
When a person loses someone dear to his heart, words of lamentation stumble in an attempt to describe the deep sadness that ravages the heart. The feelings sweep through with their remarkable sadness, and the words fall like tree leaves in the fall . They tell the story of loss and sorrow, express the nostalgia that overwhelms the soul, and between the pages of lamentation remain memories of the dear deceased. They shine like stars in the clear sky, reminding us of their love and kindness, imprinting their impact on our hearts forever.
Mike was a distinguished , delightful friend. Although the period of our work together was short, but was rich , unique in human interaction and connection. I am from the East and he is from the West, each with a different culture and history, but humanity and love transcended every difference in origin and culture We worked together as he was a professional trainer and a skilled pilot. I have learned a lot from him he told me stores ,lots of them ..mostly about his military service..had lots of laughs together ,.. his hidden sarcasm.
His jokes, his loving and fun spirit are unforgettable, he charms you with his looks smiles and kindness, compassionate offered us very generous treatment. With Jan they invited us over their house for dinner, where I got to meet Jan. We stayed up late,talked laughed, Long discussions and political arguments , more laughs when he puts the Arabian scarves covering his head….. Then days passed, he and Jan visited us in Jordan. Travelled to Jerash, Patra the archaeological locations in jordan, we hosted them in my house, they got to know my wife and daughters my brother and his Russian wife .. they were memories. We cherish those times and still remember… then death came and played the final act in Mike’s life.. sadness visits us and breaks our hearts, time after time the pain of loss of our loved ones is hard and heavy , this is the life norm I guess … Rest in peace, my dear friend.