In Loving Memory of
Michal Karol Zawadzki
January 16, 1978 – October 4, 2021
Virtual Memorial Gathering
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Watch Video Recording of Memorial
Michal Karol Zawadzki (January 16, 1978) passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021. Michal was a great father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
In those short 43 years, Michal filled his life with more joy and adventure than most people could dare to dream. He was born in Łódź, Poland. When still a toddler, he immigrated to Baltimore, Maryland, with his doting parents, Bogdan and Danuta, and his supportive older brother, Maciej. He spent most of his youth in Glen Burnie, MD, developing a love for fast cars and making art. Michal nurtured that passion and graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a degree in Industrial Design and a portfolio of beautifully designed automobiles. However, life took a turn as the economy changed, and Michal eventually found himself designing footwear in China instead of cars in Detroit. “It’s still transportation design!” he would joke with his deadpan wit.
He spent most of his adult life in China, and he thrived on the energy of cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Shenzhen. But it was the kind and generous people he met that kept him there. On trips back to visit his family in the States, Michal would share photos and stories of these glory days, working hard and playing hard as he improved his craft, making a name for himself as a sought-after shoe designer. He designed footwear for Belle, Daphne, Charles & Keith, Miss Sixty, Walmart George, Nine West, and many other well-known brands. He and his young friends traveled the world together; they raced cars in Switzerland, had drinks by fancy pools in Thailand, and lived life to the fullest.
The best friend he ever made was Ivy Kwan Zawadzki. They fell in love racing RC cars together, Ivy was the engineer and Michal was the team driver. They were amazing together. The couple was married in New York and Hong Kong. Ivy and Michal had two beautiful daughters, Si-Wei and Si-June. Michal loved being a Dad, just being with, watching, and playing with his loving daughters was the highlight of every day. He carried them on his shoulders, played dress-up with them, took them to the park, danced and twirled them around, allowed them to paint his nails, bought them ice cream, made a sledding hill in his yard for them, and even got them involved in washing the family car. He referred to his daughters as his “blessings”.
Michal will be missed every day.
In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me has been set up to help the children:
https://gofund.me/f9513bbc
Vember Othenin-Girard
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My Deepest condolences to the whole Zawadzki Family.
Michal and I attended the Cleveland institute of Art together. He always had the best sense of humor,,Laugh and the ability to inspire everyone.
He will be greatly missed and remembered by so many of us.
Rodzina Kuliberdów z Pabianic
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Michał byłeś tak młody, zdolny i szczęśliwy. Szkoda, że tak wcześnie, w tak młodym wieku musiałeś odejść pozostawiając w wielkim smutku całą Rodzinę. Jesteśmy z Wami w tej smutnej sytuacji i bardzo współczujemy.
Mark & Iga Chanecki
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At this time of sorrow may we all find comfort in our sweet loving memories of Michal (“Misiu”) .
You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest condolences to the whole Zawadzki Family.
Najszczersze wyrazy wspolczucia dla calej Rodziny.
Jennifer Hsiao
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Michal was the first friend I made after visiting Oriental Max in the Summer of 2007. My cousin was in the studio with him and introduced us, saying I needed more friends like Michal, a sweet, kind and generous soul. He changed my life by being my friend, my trajectory was altered because of Michal, he advocated on my behalf to join them in the studio, I will be forever grateful to him for his generosity and friendship. Every morning, he started his day with a call to his parents with “notesh!” (spelling), nothing was right in the world until he spoke to his folks. The love he had for his family is unmatched and I only wish every parent experiences the love a son has to give the way Michal loved his parents and family. He’d hang up the skype call and like clockwork he would be beaming, a smile from ear to ear after seeing the faces of his Mom and Dad. He was so proud of his brother, constantly boasting about his achievements, always sharing photos of his niece and nephew with me. When he met Ivy, I remember him excitedly sharing with me over a Monday morning coffee, ” Jenn, she is so beautiful and she likes what I like!” and his life became full when he fell in love with her. I had never seen him so happy. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Zawadzki for bringing Michal, your Mawei (spelling), into the world and sharing him with us. I am honored to have called him my friend. Sending love and strength to your families.
Corrine Chen
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Forever Love & Misses U !!
My Dearest Super Sexy Bro Bro …… 🥲🥲🥲
Cara Weikel
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Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Craig Gavlak and Family
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Deepest condolences to Michal’s family. Our thoughts are with you.
Laurie Astwood
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My Deepest Condolences to Michal’s beautiful girls. I am so very sorry. Hugs to Ivy, my beloved lifelong friend.
Dan Hall
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As a good friend of Maciej’s, I was able to meet Michal on several occasions. Like Maciej, he was extremely intelligent, driven but fun-loving, witty, and had a great love for his culture and family. Our deepest condolences go to the entire Zawadzki family.
Jenkin
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Farewell Michal “aka NiHao”
You are going to light up the heavens with your humor and kind spirit.
Always in our hearts.
Ursula, Hugh, Adam & Leon
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Nasze najszczersze kondolencje dla calej rodziny. Jestesmy z Wami myslami.
Sincere condolences to all the family. Terrible loss. We’re thinking of you. R.I.P.
Konrad Plucinski
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May God be with you Michal, wherever your soul is now. I join in the pain with the Family. You will always be in our memories.
Alex
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I will never forget our 1 hr rides from Kowloon, HK to my SZ factory in your S5! (Usually it takes 2 hrs). You were a true DG racing legend! Your infectious smile will be sorely missed brother! I will keep you and your beautiful family in my prayers! Rest in peace Michal!!
Arthur Law
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Michal was a wonderful friend. Even though we didn’t know each other long it felt like it was from childhood; each time we spoke it was a memorable conversation whether it was in person as we caught up or online when we gamed together and talked about life. My heart is filled with so much sadness upon hearing this news. I wish the family of Michal well and know he’s smiling at everyone from a better place. May his soul forever rest in peace.
Much love and miss you man.
Jean Egloff-Ng
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Dearest Little I.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please accept my deepest condolences for your great lost. My prayers are with you and the children. Although I have only met Michal twice, I know he is very special… because it takes a very unique person to win your heart. Sending big hugs and love.
Jean
Anonymous
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Prayers for Michal and all of his family. He is certainly missed as a son, husband and father and to many of us a friend with an enormous heart and talent.
Peace
Harry Ling
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Michal was a gentle kind human being with a big laugh and a big heart. He was able to move between the USA and Asia and lived a life few dream of, seeing and touching so many people. I always remember how full of feeling and emotion he was, and the special bond he shared Ivy.
His joy and zeal for life will truly be missed, Rest In Peace my friend.
JESSICA LU
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those good old days in DG when I used to bring pizza from Buongiorno to your dorm room. We just veg out on your couch and watch pirated DVDs. I’m going to miss listening to you talking & hiccuping. That was kind of your thing. I remember the first time I met you I asked you to sketch a M3, you sketched it out in 2 mins. That was really impressive. I have not yet met another person that can free hand sketch better than you. You were also a super loyal friend. You always reach out before I do. I’m going to miss getting your FB video calls. 你好走,Homie!
James Hsu
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Rip my brother from another mother🙏🏻 You will be missed n I’ll see you again someday!
Matt & Melissa Gavlak
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Please accept our deepest condolences, may the love that surrounds you bring comfort and peace to the Zawadzki family.
Ken and Jeannette Gavlak
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Michal was such a sweet, kind man We will miss him Our sincere sympathy to his family
Tracy Gavlak
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Condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Zawadzki family. Michal will be greatly missed but never forgotten.