Dr. John Michael "Mike" Fitzsimons

I have to say that, even now, it is not unusual to find myself thinking about Mike. He was so much more to me than a doctoral advisor. Mike turned out to be everything from a dear friend to a fabulous mentor, in every sense of that word. His presence in my life back in the previous century was nothing less than Homeric and his influence remains strong and evident in my current day-to-day. I continue to use teaching strategies that I learned by watching him, some that impressed me from the...

You all are in our thoughts and prayers, especially today. We are so sorry we can't be there to celebrate his life. I have the fondest memories of Mr. Mike. He will be dearly missed.

Dr. Fitzsimons was a wonderful friend and mentor to me during my time as a graduate student at the Museum. I have so many wonderful memories of him telling tall tales and wonderful jokes. I thought of him often over the years, and tried to be as genuine and accessible to my students as he was to me. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.

Mike Fitzsimons was an absolutely monumental figure in my life, as I know he was in many others. He was so much more than a graduate advisor to me; he was ever so generous with his time and thoughts; he was always open and quick to share a laugh. The half decade I spent with him 20 years ago will forever be cherished. With me, he was patient to a fault - but that gave me time to grow and to absorb wonderful things from him. He represented the true meaning of the word "mentor" and always...

Charlotte and family; I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. You were my son, Mark's, family away from family while he was at LSU as well as after. Mike was a wonderful man and will be loved for a very long time. Looking forward to seeing him again in the place where there's no more pain or suffering. I pray the God of all comfort will comfort you during this very difficult time. Much Aloha, Brenda McRae

Thinking of you guys. (You may not remember me, but I'm the daughter of Mike's cousin, Tom. Mike helped me in my genealogy research of the Fitzsimmons family. He was a wonderful guy.

Carol's and my hearts are with you in your grief as we share your loss. Mike was a gifted, gracious and great husband, father, professor and churchman who touched us all and made the world better. We celebrate a life well and lovingly lived! May God be with you in healing and comfort.

I am sorry to hear of Dr. Fitzsimons' death. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.