Michael's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Michael here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
I had the pleasure of working for Mike for a number of years at Express-1. Those were good years and we accomplished some amazing things as a team of people assembled by Mike. His charisma, leadership and overwhelming optimism were contagious. Ever the ambassador for Lakeshore, when we were moving to the area looking at schools, we asked Mike about the difficulty of getting our kids enrolled after the start of school. Mike said, I think it might be hard at some places to get into classes after the school year has started, but it won't be at Lakeshore! Today, our children are Lakeshore grads and we're all thankful to Mike for inviting us to the community, extending the hand of friendship and allowing us to know him and his amazing family. He will be missed and like so many, our lives are all better because he was in them. Mark Patterson
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Mark Patterson
October 1st, 2019 at 11:01am
I will always remember Mike as a true friend and great person. I enjoyed some innovative business ventures we were involved in but most importantly will always cherish our friendship. Mike made the world a better place.
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Scott Klever
September 30th, 2019 at 9:53pm
Our sincere condolences to Mikes family. We were so sad to hear of Mike's death. His brother Jim worked for Bob until they started their trucking business many years ago. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers …. Bob and Teri Namon, Chandler Arizona
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Bob and Teri Namon
September 30th, 2019 at 5:17pm
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. What a good man. It was great to have had the chance to know Mike.
I know he loved Michigan State and Michigan, but I think deep down (maybe very deep down), I think he also loved Notre Dame!
He will be missed! Rest in Peace my friend!
Marty Ogren
University of Notre Dame
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Marty Ogren
September 30th, 2019 at 4:55pm
I attended high school with Mike. He played basketball with my brother Randy Strunk. I had a chance to catch up with him a few years ago on the phone. We talked about what his business and our families. His love for the SW Michigan community and his determination to revitalize and grow commerce in the area was inspiring. I was heart-broken to hear he had passed away. My prayers are with his family and all those that knew and loved him.
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Judy (Harris) Smith
September 30th, 2019 at 9:42am
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. He was an inspiration to all that come in contact with him. My heart aches with yours and will continue to pray for you family in this unbelievably hard time. He was a gift and so special and will never be forgotten. Aimee Smothers/XPO Logistics-Express-1 Rochester Hills
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Aimee Smothers
September 30th, 2019 at 9:42am
Deeply sadden by the loss of a wonderful person, always kind, and a gentleman. Mike's family is in my thoughts and prayers. My time as a contractor in house at Express-1 was an experience i will never forget. Mike was a true mentor, friend, and awesome individual.
My his memory be eternal.
Chris Haralambopoulos
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chris haralambopoulos
September 30th, 2019 at 9:40am
Dear Lisa, Kara, Carter and extended family -
We are deeply saddened by Mike's passing and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Your husband, father, brother and son is a great man who made a positive difference in the lives of everyone who knew him. We are better people for having known him during the 18 years our family was blessed to live in Stevensville. We extend our deepest sympathy and pray you will have peace as you celebrate his life. One of our favorite quotes about being separated from loved ones by death is from Russell M. Nelson - "We can't full appreciate joyful runions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." May your sorrows now remind you of the great love Mike had for each of you and your love for him - nothing can separate you from that.
May you be sustained in the path forward by the love and faith of friends and family.
God Bless You,
Clark and Stacy Lybbert and sons - Drew, Jaxson and Isaac
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Clark M Lybbert
September 29th, 2019 at 10:40pm
My heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends - especially Lisa, Kara, Carter, to his brothers Jim, Bill, and John, his nieces and nephews, and his father Gene. I was blessed to have met Mike in 2002 when I was hired as a sales rep for Express-1. It was truly an honor and privilege to work for Mike and to be part of the Express-1 family. He was an encourager and a mentor and he made work fun. He was also the reason why I knew I wanted to work for him again at MWW. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me and the faith he had in me - he was the best boss I ever had, but mostly I am proud to have called Mike my friend and I am going to miss him. God bless all of you during this difficult time and you are in my prayers. Mindy Howard
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Mindy Howard
September 29th, 2019 at 4:18pm
So sorry to hear about Michael's passing. The Chambers family enjoyed seeing the Welch cousins and playing with them at our cottage at Palisades Park. Passing along condolences during this difficult time to his family, his brothers, and Uncle Gene. - Bret Chambers and Cindy Parsons
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Bret Chambers
September 29th, 2019 at 12:50pm
My condolences to his family and close friends. Mike was always nice and kind to me when I would see him. I know you will be greatly missed by your buddies from high school.
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Jennifer Avery
September 29th, 2019 at 11:11am
My sincere condolences to Lisa and family.
Mike was a business partner who became a friend.
I can honestly say without a doubt was the nicest ,fun, kind man I ever had the pleasure of doing business with.
The world would be a better place with more folks like Mike in business.
RIP my friend.
Mark Sylvester..... TST Expedited Services,
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Mark Sylvester
September 28th, 2019 at 6:40pm
