The Cimquest family woke up on Monday, Mar 13, 2023, to the news that our beloved colleague and friend, Michael Sljaka, had succumbed to his longtime battle with cancer on Saturday, March 11th.
Mike worked for Cimquest as a Senior Applications Engineer since the acquisition of Services Four Automation in October of 2011 where he worked since August 2007. Mike quickly became popular with customers and his fellow colleagues. He put in countless hours to provide a high level of customer service.
His responsibilities ranged from Mastercam applications and training to CNC programming to being an integral part of the 2-Minute Tuesday video series. Every task that Mike was involved in had the highest dedication to quality which he encouraged in others. He was the epitome of “If you are going to do something – do it right!”
Mike was the best colleague a person could ask for and an inspiring key member of our Mastercam Team. He was very supportive and motivating as a co-worker and we always looked to him for his creative thoughts and ideas.
But more than a wonderful colleague, Mike was an amazing person and friend. He was smart, funny, kind, deep, always ready to lend a helping hand, willing to listen, and offer thoughtful words of advice. He was the kind of person that touches your soul in ways that you never thought of until the day you knew that you would never get the chance to talk with him again, ever.
Mike was a skilled and passionate musician. He helped with an animal rescue shelter and enjoyed riding his bike on the trails.
Even through his battle with cancer, his presence and positivity were inspiring to all of us. We feel truly blessed to have spent many years with him on our team, he has made us all much better teammates. Mike will be impossible to replace, but we will definitely strive for the perfection he always shot for as we know he will be watching over us all.
Today the words ‘only the good die young’ could not be truer.
RIP Mike. You will sorely missed as a dedicated employee and co-worker and especially as a friend. Love you buddy.
Steve B
Mike I am so heartbroken at your passing. I am honored to have known and worked with you for the past 16 years. There are some big shoes to be filled. You will be missed, but not forgotten. RIP – Love your office mom – Theresa
I have known Mike since he first started at S4A and I loved his approach to teaching and learning. He really loved what he did and enjoyed helping others succeed. I had the pleasure of taking a one-on-one 3-day Mill-Turn training from Mike a few weeks ago. He wasn’t shy to speak about what was going on his life and I learned what real grit, courage and toughness looks like. He was also kind, thoughtful, and wanted to share his passion with others. On the second day he gave my daughter and I a scale model balsa wood plane kit from the 1940’s. I told him how my daughter and I like to build things together and he wanted to share this with me because it was something that he and his Dad enjoyed doing together. I went to learn Mastercam and I walked away learning so much more. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues and I wish you peace and comfort at this time of loss.
No words can express our loss. I have been blessed to be able to work with and learn from Mike. I know he will be looking over us, and probably shaking his head. He was a great friend, co-worker, and just a wonderful person. RIP Buddy.
Solid guy and indeed impossible shoes to fill. RIP my friend.
I’ve known Mike for a long time. Great man to work with but an even better human being. Always optimistic with his illness. . RIP Mike. You will be missed.
A great person who will be sorely missed.
Mike was great to work with and always happy to teach those of us who didn’t know as much as he did :) You will be missed!
Mike, you will be greatly missed. I had the opportunity to work with him on many projects throughout the years, and am a better person both personally, and professionally for it. Thanks for everything.