Mike Thaler obit

Mike Thaler

OCTOBER 8, 1936 – MARCH 23, 2024

 

He was not on the list.

It’s the first day of school. I wonder who my teacher will be?

Mike Thaler’s creative genius captured the imaginations of millions of children with a story called The Teacher From the Black Lagoon. It blossomed into a favorite Scholastic series consisting of 66 titles and selling over 26 million books.

Mike loved inspiring children with his unique style of humor wearing his trademark yellow hat, shirt and shoes to share his message: “Believe in yourself. Work hard and never give up!“

Kids are surprised to learn Mike has published over 220 books, but astonished to learn Mike didn’t like to read when he was young. Mike credited his parents for helping him discovered picture books and the magic of words by taking him to the public library every week.

Mike studied English and Art at UCLA and The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

He traveled to New York hoping to get his hand drawn cartoons published, but the editors rejected all of his work until one day his persistence pays off with a story in the December 1960 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine featuring a baby star who is learning to fly and falls to earth.

When Ursula Nordstrom, New York’s premier Children’s Editor sees his cartoon she asks him to submit a manuscript. Thrilled to have an appointment, Mike sits at his rickety desk and works through the night writing and illustrating a story called Magic Boy. The next day Ursula reads it, laughs and launches Mike’s career as a children’s book writer and illustrator.

During his career Mike would write and illustrate over 220 books of silly stories, riddles and knock knock jokes. Other notable series include:"The Bully Brothers", "Happily Ever After" and "The Back Pew".

His most recent book, The Magic Show from the Black Lagoon, was published by Scholastic in 2020, however, Mike has over 1,000 manuscripts in his files that have NOT been published. He lived by his own advice, “If you want to be a writer, write.”

Mike enjoyed being with your kids. He had an unwavering desire to inspire kids with humor to overcome fears and obstacles. To dream big and chart a path to achieve it.

Everyone could spot Mike in a crowd. Yellow hat, yellow shoes, yellow shirts, yellow socks and yellow pants. Sometimes he’d don a bright Hawaiian shirt and wear an orange hat for variety. He once said,” Everyone should wear the color that makes them feel good. My color is yellow!” If you didn’t get to meet him, read The Black Lagoon series. May his words inspire you to a brighter future.

Mike often insisted his story would not be complete without mentioning one life changing event.

He boldly shared this during his life and requested it be included here as his testimony. “It was a golden moment that made my last years my best years. At the age of 60 I asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. My understanding of God turned my world from black and white to full technicolor. It splashed all over me and became a part of who I am. I only wish my heart had embraced this message of love earlier in my life.”

Mike moved from New York to Oregon and in 2020 moved to Yakima, Washington. His last few years were physically difficult, but the twinkle in Mike’s eyes always sparkled whenever he received a fan letter. Your kind words made him feel greatly appreciated and loved.

“I believe creativity and love are the power of human beings-the power of the universe. I can now leave this life with a smile for I know my color and it is the color of sunshine, laughter and creative energy. Be kind to every person you meet, laugh often and do whatever it takes to follow and stay on your path. You can achieve something great when you believe in yourself.”

~With Love,

Mike Thaler

Thank you to his many friends, editors and family who always encouraged him. Thank you to everyone who helped care for Mike, especially Karla, Emelio and Hannah. You are my Angel's on this earth. Thank you to all who have sent notes and donated to the Children’s Fund to honor Mike. We will all miss you, my love. A private memorial celebration will be held at a later date.

Mike Thaler, son of Benjamin & Jean Thaler, is survived by his wife, Patricia Thaler and three step sons: Jesse McKay, Michael (Stacy) McKay, Nathan (Ashley) McKay, along with seven step grandchildren: Natalie, Alexis, Madeleine, Colt, Brock, Jacob and Lucas, his niece Emily Margalit (Limor), a great nephew, Yonatan, a great niece, Mika, sister-in-law Marcia Wolf, cousin Milt (Mitzi)Thaler and from a previous marriage three step children: Mary Lee, Anna Cairney (Peter) and Mathew Lee (Tina) along with 8 step grandchildren: Laurel, John & Grace, Rebekah, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Hannah, Micah and millions of readers who are inspired by his writing.