Michael A. Dubaich

On April 7, 2026, Michael A. Dubaich left this world. Bebe, the timid and untrusting hound, left several weeks before to scout it out. Scarlet, the lovable lab, went a few days ago to check the last minute details. They must have sent back the all clear and certainly greeted him enthusiastically when he arrived.

Mike entered our timeline on March 5, 1960, backwards and with broken bones. He got turned around, but the broken bones persisted throughout life. His daredevil nature saw to that. Mike climbed high, rode fast, and was 8-man in the scrum.

Mike was a lot of things. He was a fan of learning history, reading Stephen King, and listening to Bruce Springsteen, John Prine, and REAL country - think Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Pardon.

Mike was a rough neck, roofer, bouncer, and Dept. Interior surveyor while getting his BS from Montana State. But he found his home in law enforcement. He began his career with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1985 when he entered the Ross Leffler School of Conservation as part of the 19th class. They were the last to complete training in Brockway.

Mike was an innovated and driven Special Investigator. Prior to becoming a full-time covert officer, he served in a double-duty capacity being both the district officer in the northern Adams County field district and moonlighting as a special investigator. He worked cases ranging from timber thefts, to poaching, to trafficking. When the decision was made to create the special investigations section in the Bureau of Law Enforcement, Mike was a natural fit and was recruited as a full-time SI. When he began this journey, tactics and equipment were not as available as they are today. He had to invent what was needed. He became a preeminent creator of covert surveillance equipment designing systems for recording in vehicles and clothing. His skill sets became so refined that he taught at the federal law enforcement training center (FLETC) in Georgia.  

Mike built a reputation nationwide and was called on by several States to investigate violators. He was thorough and dogged in all investigations and successfully convicted his targets at an unparalleled rate. 

As his career progressed, he rose into leadership positions but he still patrolled during hunting seasons, working with both deputy and salaried officers to remain in touch with field staff needs. Mike had an innate ability to build confidence and trust with everyone, not only subjects of his investigations, but his co-workers as well. He demanded competence and integrity from all his peers. He lifted his coworkers by allowing them to work through dilemmas providing only guidance and a light touch. He encouraged people and shepherded new state game wardens - which garnered him respect from who worked with him. Mike retired in 2007, Director of Law Enforcement for the PGC.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and conservationist. He would go into the wilds of the Montana mountains, with nothing but a sleeping bag and a knife - “Alone” before it was a TV show. In 2006, he was recognized as “Conservationist of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Trappers Association.

Mike was an author, poet, and accomplished painter. He published “The Undercover Game,” a book about his 22 year career as an undercover agent and master instructor for the Game Commission. He loved to paint. His paintings were shown and sold in multiple exhibitions in Western Pennsylvania. His canvases danced with butterflies, turkeys, horses, and geese. His art leapt with joy and, at times, emanated profound sadness and loss.

Mike was a helper. He was there when you needed him. He once found himself first on scene at a car accident on I-83 in Harrisburg. The car had flipped and the woman inside was terrified. Mike was a calming presence helping her from the car then jokingly scolded her for making him late for a meeting.

A champion of the underdog he stood up for those in need, especially those without a voice. He believed everyone should have food, shelter, and healthcare. His profession and title might have been “law enforcement,” but he saw himself as a peace officer.

Mike was a husband. In 2010, Samara married her very own Borg after many years together. It may be said that she was his tireless caregiver, but in fact she was very tired. That never stopped her. Ever. She spent more than 20 years by his side guiding him through the medical and mind maze that is Parkinson’s Disease.

Most of all Mike was relentless. Never giving up no matter how much time or tries it took. Even in death, he did not stop - this time by donating his brain to Parkinson’s research. In the end, it was a blood clot, not Parkinson’s disease, that took him. Perhaps his way of giving a little FU to the disease that plagued him for decades. It did not get the last word.

His brother Mitchell, his mom Helen, and dad Mike, were probably the first to greet him on the other side but they were not the only ones. A pack of beloved dog companions, led by Scarlet and Bebe, were no doubt there as well.

In addition to his wife Samara and their beagle, Tina Marie, Michael A. Dubaich leaves behind his sisters Mary Jo (Daniel) and Michelle (Michael); Godchildren Nikki, Danny, and Lucas; nieces Lara, Kimberly, Christine, and Helen; nephew Rob; and many other family and friends.

We invite you to celebrate the life of Michael A. Dubaich. Perhaps raise a glass of Wild Turkey, his favorite libation, in his memory. Perhaps make a donation to your local food bank or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. And always remember to look for the helpers.