Michael Eugene Armstrong passed away on October 29, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center, in Virginia. Michael was born July 30, 1952, in Grafton, West Virginia, the son of the late Shirley Anne Meade (Bumgardner) and late Howard James Armstrong. Michael is survived by his wife, Elaine Armstrong; daughter, Estelle Armstrong; sisters, Tamasa Johnson (Jeff), and Sabrina Hundley (James); brother, Steve Armstrong; and grandchildren, Jordan Cake and Tate Tiry. Michael is also survived by a host of other family members and friends.
Michael was the son of an Army Master Sergeant and spent his childhood moving around and living in West Virginia, Kentucky, Germany, and Virginia. As a teen, in the late 1960s, he traveled across the United States and spent a few summers in San Francisco, California. While staying in San Francisco, Michael met and became friends with Janis Joplin. He would help carry sound equipment to gigs she played in and in turn, with a mutual love of music, they grew fond of each other. She referred to Michael as “the DC kid,” because he used to read and trade DC Comic books. His deep appreciation for, and participation in, the psychedelic music scene also brought him close to other bands and their members, by not just attending performances and casual practice sessions, but also lending a helpful hand. The musicians included Janis and her then band, Big Brother and the Holding Company; Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane; Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), and Santana. One recollection he shared often was spending a summer evening in San Fransico in his third floor room of a shared town home, which was directly across the street from a rooftop where Jefferson Airplane would have frequent jam sessions, practicing new and old songs. He spent his lifetime enjoying being surrounded by musicians, and he never grew tired of listening to both worldwide acclaimed musicians and local musicians alike, who played sets for fun in wineries, bars, and small venues.
Michael married Elaine in 1971, and a year later, they proudly welcomed their daughter, Estelle. Michael was the quintessential loving father, or “Dada”, as his daughter fondly called him, and an extremely hard-working husband. Michael supported his family by holding several jobs before, and as he attended college obtaining his degree in Environmental Science. Shortly after graduating, in 1978, he began employment with the Upper Occoquan Service Authority in Centreville, Virginia, until he retired in May 2003.
Throughout Michael’s life, he thoroughly enjoyed reading great novels and other literature, which included works in science, mathematics, biology, astronomy, philosophy, religion, mythology and history (specifically Roman and Greek history) and nature. Michael had notable talent in creating art pieces, including fractal designs, which he occasionally used as a backdrop behind local bands and musical performers. He was constantly learning and enjoyed watching “The Great Courses” DVDs; every month studying a different topic. He enjoyed watching an extensive array of movie genres, as well as, former television shows. He had a keen eye playing chess, and if you played a game or more with him, he always won. He also would not turn down a game of Scrabble or Mahjong. He would help solve puzzles, both with others and on his own.
After retirement, his love of the great outdoors directed him to spend time in the Shenandoah Valley. He volunteered as an art teacher for at-risk youth, and he supported and participated in the Art Group Gallery and First Fridays in the Valley. He also proudly volunteered as the sound and light technician for Plan B in Broadway.
Michael was quiet, yet kind. He had a quirky sense of humor. His vast knowledge of a plethora of subjects was impressive, and it knew no bounds. He judged no one and he always held his loved ones close. Once a friend of Michael’s, always a friend you could count on.
He will be joined on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge by Elert, Dee-Oh-Gee, Omega, Apollo, Minerva, Smokey, “T,” Blackie, Phoebe, and all his other beloved animals.
Michael’s only request and wish was always for peace of all humanity. One of his greatest concerns was the current state of our country. Michael’s family requests that you say a prayer for the healing of our country, and that the broken pieces can be mended and made whole. All our differences aside, let us unite in love and please give peace a chance.
In lieu of flowers, you may plant a tree in memory of Michael, via the Arbor Day Foundation at https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others); donate to the Arts Council of the Valley, https://valleyarts.org/donate/; donate to the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, https://musicfest.org/get-involved/donate/, or donate to Hungry For Music, https://hungryformusic.org/make-a-dedication-donation/.
