Michael D. Bollenback's Obituary
What can you do to remember and celebrate someone who made such positive impacts wherever he went, and showed genuine care for others, all with plenty of grace, patience and perseverance? In writing this, we hope to honor the life of Mike Bollenback who died on March 22, 2022 surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Michael D. Bollenback (Mike) was born Dec. 3, 1955 in San Antonio, TX to George W. (Bill) Bollenback and Barbara Bollenback. The oldest of four sons, the family relocated frequently due to their Dad’s Air Force career. They lived in Texas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Japan, and Maryland, among other locations. Mike graduated from Anne Arundel High School in Maryland where he played soccer. He attended and graduated from The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in June 1977. While at USF, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity where he cultivated friendships that have lasted well beyond his college years. He also enjoyed playing intramural sports and has been a long time USF Bulls fan. And, USF is where Mike met his wife Bonnie. Set up on a blind date by mutual friends more than 46 years ago, they were married for 44 of those years.
Upon college graduation, Mike sat for and passed the rigorous Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, kickstarting his 40 plus year career in a field where he built a diverse following of partners, staff and clients. He began his career working for the CPA firm, Yarbrough, Dennard & Tench in Clearwater, and later, for Harper, Van Scoik & Company, Clearwater. In September 1984, he joined his father at Bollenback & Forret, PA, CPA’s and Consultants, Clearwater. As his experience in public accounting grew, he became a Shareholder and President of the firm. Mike loved what he did for a living, and it was obvious to everyone who knew him. He was energized and happy to support individuals, corporations, not-for-profit entities, family businesses, partnerships, and other clients in various industries. He was a member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA and FICPA), and served as a past chairman of the FICPA Management of an Accounting Practice section. Seeing Mike’s passion for his craft, and how he cared for his clients and the B & F Family, is truly one of his greatest accomplishments.
Mike’s notable involvement in the local community also began more than 40 years ago. There was a regular saying among family members that you couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone who knew him. He most recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Ruth Eckerd Hall, and was serving as Immediate Past Chairman at his passing. During his tenure as Chairman, the organization was faced with financial and production challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike steadfastly led the Board’s work with the Hall through two very tough years, and they weathered the storm. His community involvement also included leadership positions with the Pinellas County Prequalification Board for Contractors, Leadership Pinellas, Humane Society of Pinellas Foundation, The Long Center, The Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, Lighthouse of Pinellas, the Tampa Bay Family Business Forum, and the Clearwater Breakfast Sertoma Club.
Mike was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed football, hockey, golf, college basketball, and, most of all, baseball! He was a Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder from the start, and loved attending games at The Trop. He and Bonnie traveled frequently to catch Rays games at other stadiums around the country and even in Toronto. He was known to end many a written or verbal message with the phrase, “Go Rays”!
At the forefront of everything was Mike’s love for his family. Traveling with Bonnie and daughters, Lauren and Meghan, began early with skiing adventures in Colorado, Utah and California. There were road trips up and down the East Coast of the country, often with no planned agenda. There were adventures in Hawaii and Italy, and frequent visits to the beautiful and relaxing mountains of North Carolina. He taught the girls how to read maps, do mental math, and instilled in them both a love of reading books, an appreciation for music (especially country), and entertainment of all kinds. He was also known for his “dumb Dad jokes” prompting many an eye roll.
Mike’s most favorite role over the past four years was becoming Grandad to three rambunctious grandchildren. He wholeheartedly took on versions of that title including “Gra Gra” and “Dan-Grad” as Julian, Clark and Margot adopted their own special nicknames for their favorite person. He was always fun and a little goofy, teaching them to make the silliest faces and noises, and sneaking them extra Cheetos or ice cream when their parents weren’t looking.
Mike is survived by his loving family including wife Bonnie, Seminole; daughters Lauren Bollenback (Keith & Clark Nicholson), Louisville, KY; Meghan Wang (Ben, Julian & Margot), Falls Church, VA; father Bill Bollenback (Dyne), Clearwater; mother Barbara Bollenback, Clearwater; brothers Ken Bollenback (Terry), Clearwater; Rob Bollenback (Carol), Simpsonville, SC; and Bruce Bollenback, Clearwater. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Jean Rose, Murphy, NC; sisters-in-law Diane Jones (Ragan), Baton Rouge, LA; and Pam Heidorn, Murrieta, CA; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, many other loved and valued family members and close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 14, 2022 from 1 - 3pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Business casual in bright, happy colors please! Mike asked for an upbeat, positive event so we want to do our best to honor his wishes. A light cocktail reception will follow. Please email Meghan at [email protected] by May 6 to advise attendance so we can get a clear headcount.
In lieu of flowers, Mike wanted donations made to Ruth Eckerd Hall. Donations made in his name will go to the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall to support arts education. You can donate directly on their website (see link here) https://secure.rutheckerdhall.com/donate/contribute2?queueittoken=e_saftynetqueue2021v3~q_3cad33d5-0449-467f-a4ce-1e148ce664c3~ts_1651607968~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_480e01cff739b49cd511938199c0244978582fa2cbbf485987777330b1127c17 or by mailing a check made out to Ruth Eckerd Hall (put Mike’s name in memo line) to 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759.
Lastly, friends and family will be attending the May 15, 2022 Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays baseball game to be held at The Trop at 1:40 pm. Feel free to grab a ticket and let us know you’ll be there by emailing Meghan at the above address. We’d love to all get together to cheer on the Rays and celebrate Mike!
“Do good, live in the most positive and joyful way possible every day.”
-Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
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