Celebrating the Life of Manouchehr Mike Malekyar

November 10, 1945 – June 14, 2026

Manouchehr Mike Malekyar (MMM), of Tehran, Iran passed away on June 14, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of adventure, accomplishment, independence and above all a love for his family.

Born on November 10, 1945 in Tehran, Mike was the first of six children born to Ali and Souri Malekyar. He was a loving brother to Sima, Mina, Amir, Kamran and Kianoosh. Family was always at the center of Mike’s life and one of his greatest accomplishments was helping his mother and all of his siblings immigrate to the United States in 1985.

From an early age Mike possessed a natural curiosity about the world. He served in the Iranian Army, an experience that took him to remote villages throughout Iran and gave him the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures. During his service he helped with the design of water systems and building infrastructure while also teaching English to local villagers.

After his military service Mike began working in Iran’s oil industry as a technician at an oil refinery. A quick learner with a natural aptitude for engineering, he mastered the work of his division and eventually traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa where he lived and worked at a refinery. Driven by his love of learning Mike moved to the United States and settled in Lawrence, Kansas. He continued his education at the University of Kansas, where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. His education and experience also included Environmental and Chemical Engineering preparing him for a long and varied career. He eventually founded a successful environmental engineering company and later earned his real estate and broker’s licenses.

Mike’s interests and talents extended far beyond his professional life. He was in every sense a Mr. Fix-It—someone who could be counted on to figure things out and make things work. At Crystal Lake, he volunteered as a community judge, giving his time and energy to the community around him.

He was also deeply creative. Mike was passionate about the arts, particularly acrylic painting, and found a special sense of peace in gardening and spending time outdoors. He appreciated the simple beauty of nature and the quiet satisfaction of creating something with his own hands.

He loved cooking Persian food, serving fruit and entertaining family and friends. Those who knew him will remember the many stories he shared about growing up in Iran, stories that gave his family a window into a life and a world they treasured hearing about. He enjoyed spaghetti western movies, jazz and Iranian music.

Mike was a proud father to his four daughters, Mandy, Metra, Sarah, and Angie. He encouraged them to believe in themselves and supported their individuality and independence. He taught them to be freethinkers and to embrace who they are.

Mike was a handsome man with a distinctive style and personality who was affectionately described as a silver fox and was sometimes mistaken for fashion icon Ralph Lauren. He carried himself with an unmistakable independence and confidence that made him uniquely Mike.

He is survived by his siblings, Sima, Mina (Khosrow), (Parvaneh), Kamran (Shamera), and Kianoosh (David); his daughters, Mandy (Nick), Metra (Doug), Sarah (Danny), and Angie; seven grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ali and Souri Malekyar, and his brother Amir.

Mike’s life touched many people across countries, careers and generations. He was an adventurer, engineer, artist, teacher, storyteller, gardener, cook, problem-solver, a good friend to many and a proud father. But to those who loved him most, he was simply Mike—a one-of-a-kind presence whose absence will be felt every day. When the sun shines may it remind us to treasure its warmth, to appreciate the beauty around us and to always look for the good.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held to honor and remember Mike and the extraordinary life he shared with those he loved.