Michael D. Ciborowski, 57, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 3, 2003. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, March 17, 1946, he was a resident of Fletcher Hills for the past 43 years. Michael graduated with honors from San Diego State University. Working for his father, the late Wallie Ciborowski, he helped to complete a ten-year contract that provided homes for hundreds of families in University Hills. They also designed and built several custom homes in the East County during the 1970 ' s. After his father ' s retirement, Michael began his career as a Building Inspector for San Diego County. He later advanced to commercial inspection and directed large projects such as the Navy Hospital in Balboa Park, and military training facilities on North Island and Miramar. Michael had an amazing, contagious and often outrageous sense of humor. He had a profound sensitivity and compassion for others, and a never-ending list of questions about everything. From a very early age he was enthralled with space exploration. On his own, he mastered the art of fly-fishing. He became a gifted photographer under the guidance of his late father-in-law and mentor, Stephen Jara, who later introduced Michael to computers. To describe Michael and his computers as inseparable would be an enormous understatement. He continued this legacy by sharing his passion for photography and computers with his son, Jeff. Michael and his wife, Pam, met in their freshman year at SDSU in 1964. They were married in 1967. They shared an irreplaceable bond of love and friendship. Often they observed the world from a distinctly different perspective, yet they maintained a deep and abiding respect for each other. Michael ' s eclectic personal library contained the volumes of Will Durant, Carl Sagan, and Jane Goodall; and a diverse music collection that included Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Sarah Brightman. In addition to his wife and son, Michael is survived by his loving, devoted mother, Hedy Ciborowski, his cherished mother-in-law, Helen Jara; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bev, Terry, Cathy, Paul, Tom, Laura, Tim and Pam; nephews David, Kevin and Adam; nieces Torria, Jennifer and Brittney; and a loving, extended family in San Diego, St. Louis and Chicago. Michael was also blessed with exceptionally special neighbors whose love and support has always been greatly appreciated. Services to celebrate Michael ' s life will be private. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to Habitat for Humanity ``Some people come into our lives, leave footprints in our hearts, and we are never the same. ' ' Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 4/9/2003. (volunteer submission)