MICHAEL S. NESS

1956 - 2018

NESS

Michael Scott Ness, age 61, died peacefully at home on December 30, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Michael is survived by his wife, Dora S. Collins, of 20 years; his daughter, Hannah Ness; his siblings, Gary (Donna) Ness, Richard (Pam) Ness, and Susanne Ness; his nieces and nephews, Andrew (Ashley) Ness, Levi (Shelby) Ness, Rebecca (Dustin) Cox, several grand-nieces and -nephews, and two daughters, Rachel Ness and Caitlin Ness, from a previous marriage. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Ness and Catherine Plack, and several aunts and uncles.

Michael was born on March 5, 1956, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to parents Robert W. Ness and Catherine C. Plack. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1977 with degrees in English and Biology in only 3 years.

Michael began his career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, and held senior management positions at several optical manufacturing companies during his lengthy career. Michael's depth of knowledge and ever positive outlook helped to create a culture of innovation at the companies he worked for, and helped them to grow.

Michael was a great family man and a loving father. He married Dora S. Collins in 1997, and the couple had a daughter, Hannah, together.

Michael was a social, active man who enjoyed road cycling, cooking, gardening, and hunting with his beloved dog, Jeanne. His family and friends will always remember him as a loving, humorous person, with a keen eye for art and literature, and a keen ear for music.

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church at 180 Samuel Boulevard in Coppell, TX. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Michael's life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in his name at www.cancer.org .