Michael Robert Pushkin
1947-2024
Michael was born on September 29, 1947 in the Bronx, N.Y.
He went to the Bronx High School of Science and then to Hunter College, where he received a degree in Psychology.
He enjoyed a winter in Minnesota followed by a brief time in Berkeley, California. He then moved to upstate New York where he enhanced his leather techniques and started Tinker Hill Leather. Michael moved to Berkeley Springs in 1976 and became a member of the art community. He was an active member of Morgan Arts Community and later he became a founding member of the Ice House Gallery.
In the 1980’s Michael connected with the fashion movement in New York which continued throughout his life. Several years later he began working with metallic and embossed leather, designing high fashion bags and clothing. Michael traveled throughout the country selling his artwork at craft shows and in galleries until 1997 when he began studying Massage Therapy.
Michael was an extraordinary healing massage therapist who offered pain relief to clients for the past 25 years. His Able Body Wellness office was filled with art and great music. He had a vast array of techniques which included Orthopedic massage, alignment, adjustments, Myofascial Release, and craniosacral.
Michael had many passions including practicing Tai Chi. He practiced Tai Chi for 30 years and taught classes at Coolfont and then at the Ice House in Berkeley Springs. He was an avid chess player and a master of the game. Additionally, Michael loved music, especially Jazz. This passion developed in the village during his late teens and continued throughout his life. In 1986 Michael’s love of music lead him to exhibit his leather at a craft show during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This was followed by 30 years of dedicated festival attendance. Michael’s time in New Orleans deepened his appreciation of varied cuisine. He was a wonderful chef and quite the culinary researcher. Michael loved to travel, he enjoyed nature and was always up for a hike. His last European adventure fulfilled his desire to hike the Alps.
Michael was kind, loving and funny, and as he would say, “clever/funny.” Michael cherished his family, Sandy Kay, wife/partner of 43 years; Daughter, Annie Miller (Pete), Son, Jeremy Schneider (Dana), and Daughter, Jenny Schneider (Matt). Michael was delighted with his grandchildren, and they adored him. Olive 14, Sylvia 11, Avi 5 and Zevi 1.
We will miss him.
Donation in memory of Michael may be sent to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Virginia, 7202 Glen Forest Drive, Suite 102 Richmond, VA 23226 or online at Give.cff.org/virginia.
