Michael Pridham

Michael / Dad, was born in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada to William and Alice Pridham. He grew up with Canadian and English influences which he continued in his own family. His family moved to Los Angeles California in 1950 where he lived for the next 20 years. He was first and foremost a man committed to serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He became a Christian when he was a young adult and never turned back. That same commitment is something that was deeply embedded in every aspect of his life. He always lived his life making sure his priorities were in order and that he was pleasing in the sight of God. God was first in his life no matter what. Camy / Mom was regarded very highly with dad, and his commitment to her was unwavering. Everyone always knew that she was first (after God of course). His Children (Chris and Wendy) were a close second to Camy and his love for us was undeniable. Chris and I grew up in a very loving and secure home. Always knowing that no matter what, we were loved and cared for unconditionally. It is something that we may have taken for granted at the time, but we both know we were blessed beyond measure with the Father we had. He was a brilliant man, a genius really. He went to UC Berkley and Cal State Fullerton. He wanted to become a Doctor to help people, but after working in the hospital and hearing the Doctors, all they seemed to be interested in was money. That turned dad off and decided he didn’t want to be a part of that world. He then went to work for IBM in Southern California. During his time there they transferred him up to Olympia, Washington. In the fall of 1969 he moved the family to Washington and shortly thereafter Dad left IBM to work in the Ministry full time. We were at a small church in Lacey, Washington (Evangel Chapel eventually becoming Christian Life Community) and developed so many wonderful relationships there. It was a church community that became family. It was such a special time in our lives. Again, we were blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community. Michael was a visionary and driven by purpose. He always felt that every person needed to see and understand the direction in their life and to pursue it. “Without a progressive vision, you will dwell carelessly”. During his time there he had a vision for the kids of the church, and he wanted to establish a school within the church. So, he began to research how to do this and the Lord opened the doors to Accelerated Christian Education (ACE). Long story short, he went to Texas and went through the training, came back and the doors of Christian Life School opened in the fall of 1975 where he became Principal of that school. I don’t know if the school is still running today, but it had been up until a short time ago – at least 40 years. Michael had felt a calling to the mission field and in 1979 that calling and vision became a reality. He moved the family across the world to a small town in Gandara Samar, a place located in the Visayas (a 12 hours bus ride from Manila). There was no electricity and no running water (actually the running water was – we ran to the pump to get the water). The first few weeks we lived in a Nipa Hut and then after that we moved into the house with our friends and missionaries, the Qualls family, while our home was being built. After a year in Samar, the Lord moved us to Manila where Michael established a Bible College over the next 3 years. Life on the mission field was not easy, but so many wonderful relationships were established and I know Dad touched so many lives with his teachings, his love for the people and his example of a Godly man. Michael and Camy spent many years around the world and finally came back to the States permanently in 2008 where they made Florida their home. Over the last 12 years of Dads life he was able to spend time with his family and grandchildren, and for that we are truly grateful. There is so much more to say about his life, but I hope this conveys the kind of man he was. He was a man of integrity, character, loyal, dependable… to his kids he was someone who could do anything he put his mind to. We all loved dad so much and are so proud of who he was. He is home now and with Jesus, the place he dreamed of being ever since he gave his life to Jesus Christ. We hope to do him justice by living a life pleasing to the Lord. That was his true desire. See ya later Michael / Dad…. We love you, we will miss you and You will forever be in our hearts until we are reunited in heaven.