It is totally impossible to believe that Mike is gone. He was always bigger than life. His unsurpassed passion for his family, for filmmaking and for the ocean resulted in extraordinary works of art. He took the most amazing risks but made them seem as nothing with his infectious grin. He will be sorely missed by so many, all around the world.

We had the distinct pleasure of working with Mike here in Santa Barbara for many years and most recently at our TEDxAmericanRiviera events.

In 2010 Mike spoke about his passion for the planet in a great talk that stemmed from his work in the Gulf, post oil blowout. You can watch that TEDx talk here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPOIiRxToiQ – then this past November he spearheaded a youth film project (watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8201wl4jjw) for TEDxAmericanRiviera that was amazing. He mentored the entire crew of students to a production that we premiered. He fussed and fussed during our rehearsal to get the image displayed just perfectly – he sat in the audience with no one there and then went back home and tweaked the final print one more time and got it to us in the morning, just in time. That was Mike. He wanted it to be perfect, so the kids would be shown in the best light. For him, it was never about him – even when he was the host. It was always about the subject, the nature, the kids, the world around him.

What a shock to hear Mike is gone. The world is a smaller place now. I first got to know Mike at the U. of Hawaii in the mid-1970′s. We shared an intense interest in the ocean’s creatures and photography. He had such a positive and adventurous spirit. Many will miss him.

as a person who has watched many wonderful documentaries with mike i was so, so saddened to hear about his passing…the world has truly lost someone who cared about our oceans and the creatures in them…when you see steve irwin tell him now he has another angel to help him look over our earth…corny it may be these 2 displayed a passion for their life’s work that they paid for with their life…both brought storytelling and nature cinematography to the small screen which they both will be remembered and sorely missed…thanks patricia pierce in mobile, alabama

The world has lost an amazing and passionate man, as well as an ocean lover, conservationist, filmmaker and much more. Mike deGruy will be missed by many. It is a tragic loss and my heart goes out to Mimi, his children and family, and too all of the friends Mike has made along the way. You’ll be remembered for you kind heart, infectious spirit and all that you have done to inspire people to understand and care for the ocean realm.

What an amazing life…God Bless!

I had the great privilege to be Mike’s asst. cameraman for almost a decade. Along with Paul and Gracie Atkins and Mike’s wife Mimi, we hiked over lava, dived with sharks, swam with Orcas, and flew over rainforests. Mike was a filmmaker, a colleague, a dive buddy, a mentor, an inspiration and a devoted friend. He was an imp that would stand at the edge of the Magic Forest, filled with mysteries and dangerous beasts, and beckon you to “come on, follow me”. And if you did, your moments would be filled with awe-inspiring, nerve-wracking, life-risking, life-altering adventure. To say he will be missed is like saying you would miss seeing or breathing if suddenly they were taken from you.
The world is a little darker, a little less mischievous, a little less inspired and a whole lot less fun now that Mike is no longer with us. But his love of life, his sense of humor, his courage, his dedication, his artistry and his passion for Mother Ocean lives on in each us and our children as we share with others what Mike so generously gave to us.
Aloha bruddah.

It is a tragically sad day for us all.

Some people cannot be replaced and Mike is one of those people. He gave us so much to appreciate and he did it in a way it would be next to impossible not to become excited about what was in our oceans. RIP Mike, you will be sorely missed.