J. Michael Erwin
Died April 14, 2016
SUTTONS BAY – J.
Michael Erwin, 69, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016 at
Munson Medical Center.
Mike was born on
June 9, 1946 in Elkhart, IN, the son of Otho (Jim) and Mary A. (Campbell)
Erwin. On Nov. 26, 1969 in South Bend,
IN, he married Mary C. Komasinski who survives.
Mike retired in
2008 from Eastern Michigan University where he was Vice President for Student
Services. He received his bachelor’s and
master’s degrees from Indiana University and his doctorate degree from the
Center for Study of Higher Education at the University of Michigan. Mike had a passion for history and visiting
historical and unique places, a love of dogs, and an enthusiasm for living in
Leelanau County. He was a member of the
Bingham Township Parks and Recreation Committee and a volunteer for the
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore’s avian botulism program. At the time of his death, he was in process
of documenting the former migrant worker housing in Leelanau County.
In addition to his
loving wife of 46 years, Michael is survived by his son, John (Heather) Erwin;
his grandson, Julius Erwin; step-grandchildren, Elijah and Nayomi; his mother,
Mary; and a brother, Steven (Sandra) Erwin.
He was preceded in
death by his father, Otho.
No funeral
services are planned at this time.
Memorials may be
directed to Bingham Township Parks, 7171 S. Center Hwy., Traverse City, MI
49684.
What a great guy Mike was! His kindness was well known and a happy gift to many of us at EMU. My sympathy to his family for their loss. It's always too soon but we were blessed to have him in our lives. With deep sadness, Joy Garrett.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to learn of Mike's passing. Our hearts go out to Mary and family and to their beloved "Rosie". He will be missed by many for his contributions to education and the environment , as well as his friendship and winning smile. Mike endured much these past several years, and was fortunate to have Mary with her support, compassion, love and caring. Marcia and Gene
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to read about Mike's death in the local paper. We went to school together from 7th grade through high school. We also shared an apartment for a semester at IU. I remember Mike as a bright, ambitious guy who was out to prove to someone who told him he couldn't succeed in higher education that he could. And, he did. I lost track of him after I discontinued the alumni magazine. I remember him as funny and fun-loving, up for anything back in those days. My condolences to his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Dick Pipher