Michael "Mike" S. Karussos

Sadly, a shining star has left our earth to join God’s galaxy.  Mike was a devoted husband, beloved father, doting grandfather, family man, loyal friend and faithful Greek Orthodox servant.  He passed away January 14, 2021.  He was also an educator, business owner and entrepreneur.  Happily married to the love of his life, Elaine for over 57 years.  Mike had a blessed and charmed life.  He adored his children, Jami, Stace and Tiffany; and cherished his grandchildren, Maison, Alexa and Ariana.

Mike was born in Portland, Oregon to James and Georgia Karussos.  He attended Benson High School – which he loved, and then he attended Portland State University.

As a youth, Mike enjoyed his days of drag racing and loved to talk about it.  He won many trophies and held a speed record in his car class.  His accomplishments can still be viewed by Jim Dandy’s Drive-In. He was in the Marauders Car Club, and a jacket from the club is displayed at Jim Dandy's.  Mike really enjoyed their burgers!

Mike was always involved in his church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  As a young boy he served as an altar boy.  In 1983, he was the founder and School Board Chair of Holy Trinity Preschool.  He was member of the Men’s Choral, which recorded a record album.  He was an active member of the church Parish Council for many years and also a Past President .  Mike also served on different committees for the popular Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Greek Festival.  Mike passed in peace due to his deep faith.

He was a barber and was the first in the state to get a Barber Teaching License.  At age 24 he opened a 40-chair barber college in Portland, Oregon, called Executive Barber College.  This was unique as it was the first school to teach men’s hairstyling.  He later opened another college in Medford, Oregon.

Mike was an excellent businessman and was president of his independent insurance agency, Spirit of Life, Inc. for over forty years.

While living in San Jose, California, Mike was president of Target Industries.  He also was president of Benefit Communications and Chief Financial Officer of Breitenbush Design, Inc.; a sportswear and shoe design company.

Mike was a proud member of Clackamas Rotary Club.  He loved his fellow Rotarians and the great philanthropic work Rotary performs.  He held the office of President, successfully ran the Golf Tournament for a few years, and also chaired the road clean-up.

He served as Chair of President’s Advisory Council of Pacific Guardian Life for seven years and was named Regional Agent of The Year and Persistency Leader-100% for five consecutive years.  For three years he won National Association of Life Insurance – National Quality Award and qualified for ten consecutive company conventions with Pacific Guardian Life and five times earned the President’s Club Award.

Mike and Elaine opened the beautiful Karussos Hair Odyssey Beauty Salon in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Mike was President of the Westview Homeowner’s Association for several years.  He also served on the Father Elias Memorial Committee for 25 years.

Mike was a fun and gentle person that always had a smile and a story to tell.  So many friends remember how warm and friendly he was.  He was truly our shining star and is already greatly missed.  May his memory be eternal.

A Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Portland, OR.  We may have 70 people present to comply with Covid-19 protocols. Join us for services via livestream: 

Click Here to get to the YouTube Channel which is Holy Trinity GOC PDX.

Click Here to get to the Facebook page which is Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 

A Visitation will be 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the funeral home.  Attendance is limited due to Covid, to reserve a time slot for the Visitation please use the RSVP link below.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contribution in his memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Clackamas Rotary Club or Father Elias Stephanopoulos Memorial Fund. Please see additional information below.