In loving memory of Mike Cina.

 I remembered the first time I met Mike. It was back in 1972, our freshman year at WSU in Architecture 101 class. 

What caught my attention was his long, curly locks, short stature, and carrying a backpack. No one carried backpacks and perms were not in fashion yet. Yes, he was a trend setter! He just stood out of the crowd and was a friend to everyone. 

Mike was a generous man. He always insisted family comes first, work second. He was a friend that I could always talk to. I miss our office lunches, talking about sports, our kids & the funny stories he shared, and the endless jokes he had stored in his head. 

I will always remember him. Rest in peace. 

 Mike hired me on April fool’s day 1991 and in honor of John Austin’s legacy for the newly employed, Mike spent my entire first week away on vacation. 

During my first month I learned a lot about Mike’s philosophy on life, work, business which evolved around treating everyone like family. I also learned about his humbleness when he took me to play golf after I had bagel-ed him in tennis but instead of getting revenge he coached me on my golf swing. 

There are too many stories to tell from being recognized as regular diners by wait staff when we were trying to determine who the regulars were, to having a pastor close a meeting prematurely as he noticed Mike nodding off, to all his off the wall ideas like a “Richard Cranium” t-shirt. 

Mike would introduce me as girlie man, because of my long hair, and I would retort that my long hair was for his future toupee….there was nothing presumptuous about Mike. 

Mike was simply a good boss without being a boss and a good friend who’d come to your aide whether you asked him to or not. I will always miss him. 

 I am forever grateful for my time working with Mike. I learned so much working with him. I admired his sense of humor and generosity and his “can-do” approach to projects and life. Everyone was a friend he knew or hadn’t yet met. 

Thank you Mike! 

Mike was a great visionary and supportive mentor. He modeled patience and generosity not only at the office but also with our clients. Whatever the setting or situation, Mike taught me to “always sit back and listen” and “always see the good in people”. 

Mike always expressed “family comes first and hopefully work comes second”. And his belief overflowed into the office creating a family work environment. I am so grateful to be a part of the AustinCina family. 

Mike’s witty sense of humor and cackling laughter always made my day. I remember when he had an idea for a coffee table book titled “The Swoop” filled with pictures of comb over hairstyles. The logo would be similar to the Nike Swoosh but turned upside down . . . a lot of cackling in the design room that day! 

Mike was a fan of soul and classic R&B music – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Chi-Lites and Earth Wind & Fire. One of my favorite live music memories was spending the evening at Pier 51 in Seattle grooving to Earth Wind & Fire with Mike & family and staff & family. 

Mike – thank you for the life lessons, the laugh lines, and your friendship. I love you and miss you!