I received word a couple days ago that a friend had died suddenly. Michael Carnahan worked for the World Affairs Council of Oregon and was an integral part of the World Affairs Council Young Professionals of which I was a member of the Steering Committee. While I didn’t know him incredibly well I still considered him a friend and colleague. I had hoped I had many years to get to know him better and learn his stories, as he was a man who had many stories and a very diverse life. The last time I saw Michael was at my going away party he gave me a pair of comfortable running socks as a gift for my journey. Is it strange that those seemingly basic socks now have significant sentimental value?
As far as I’m concerned he was the heart of the World Affairs Council in Portland and was a mentor in international affairs to me. His support and advice helped guide me to the path I now find myself on.
My most sincere condolences go out to his family and his extended family at the World Affairs Council. His sudden death is a shocking blow to anyone who knew him. I’m sure anyone that knew him considered him a friend.
The world was a better place for him being in it, and there is a hole in it where he stood. This post doesn’t do justice to the life he lived or the lives he touched and for that I’m sorry.
Michael, we’ll miss you.