Michael Ambos Obituary

Michael Dale "Mike" Ambos

Oct 12, 1966 - Oct 12, 2025

Sandusky

Michael "Mike" Dale Ambos, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, his 59th birthday, in Hong Kong. He was surrounded by his loving family from both Hong Kong and Ohio. His death came as a shock to all, following an aggressive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer just 36 days prior.

Mike made Hong Kong his cherished home since 2003, drawn there by his deep affection for Asian cultures, an affinity he developed while traveling the world in his 20s and 30s. It was there he met the love of his life, Kimmy Kwan. They married in 2006, and Mike proudly became a devoted dad to her children, Gorby and Abby. He was recently described as "the best husband and best dad with the biggest heart," a testament to the life he built and the family he adored.

Born and raised in Ohio, Mike graduated from Perkins High School in 1985, maintaining close friendships throughout his life. He had been enthusiastically planning to attend his 40th class reunion in Sandusky this month until his diagnosis. He launched his career as a mechanical engineer at Whirlpool Clyde plant after graduating from the University of Dayton in 1990. After earning an MBA from Indiana University South Bend, he transitioned into product development at Whirlpool headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to Asia, where he created his own successful company that designed, produced, and marketed consumer goods sold worldwide.

Mike truly loved life and had a vibrant passion for adventure. He enjoyed good food, good booze, and good times and was always ready to explore a new corner of the world. He was full of great tales about his many hobbies, which included scuba diving across the globe, dancing to live music every Saturday night in Hong Kong, and his appreciation of rich red wines and Scotch. Even closer to home, he kept active, hiking the HK peak and discovering the city's infinite hidden gems.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Kimmy Kwan; and his stepchildren, Gorby and Abby. He is also survived by his mother, Bonny (Dale) Ambos of Sandusky; his brothers, Mark (Carie) Ambos of Sandusky, Marty (Kate) Ambos of Knoxville, Tennessee, Eric (Karen) Larson of Apple Valley, Minnesota; and his niece, Courtnee (Logan) Ambos-Brauer of Cuyahoga Falls.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dale Ambos; grandparents, Edward and Gert Fraas (Archbold), Ernest and Marion Ambos (Sandusky); and nephew Stone Ambos (Sandusky).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the following organizations, Perkins Athletic Boosters, American Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or Stein Hospice.