Michael John "Big Mike" Naymick

1917-2005

STOCKTON, Calif. - Michael J. Naymick of Stockton, Calif., formerly of Traverse City, died Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005, at home. Big Mike was born Aug. 26, 1917, in Berlin, Pa., to Stephen and Catherine Naymick.

Mike grew up in Wierton, W.Va., and graduated from Wier High with salutatory honors, excelling in athletics.

After high school, he went on to play major league baseball with the Cleveland Indians from 1938 to 1944, and the St. Louis Cardinals in 1944. An injury to his pitching arm led him to Traverse City, where he began a 42 year career with the Parsons Corporation. In 1971, the company was relocated to Stockton, where he would retire.

While in Traverse City, he loved working with younger people through the Little League programs and scouting. He enjoyed golf, bowling and hunting. He also played independent baseball in the area, and could always find a few "high hard ones" to throw past the then major leaguers as they barn stormed the area, to his, and the local fans delight. Or, he would drive most of the par fours at the old country club, to everyone's amazement.

Everyone who met Big Mike would agree that he was hard not to love. He had a young and vibrant spirit even in his weakest days. He always had a laugh to share, a smile to give, a story to tell or a song to sing. He will always be alive in our hearts as we remember all the wonderful times we had with him as a father, grandfather, uncle, brother or friend.

Michael is survived by his wife, Thien; sons, William and wife, Janet, and John and wife, Kathy; daughters, Carol, Kathy and husband, Richard, Rosemond "Jane," Robyn, Elisabeth and husband, Jim; and three grandchildren, Drew, Lisa and Sarah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Alexander, Joseph, Stephen and George; and four sisters, Katherine, Pauline, Hellen and Anne.

Michael was buried at San Jouquin Catholic Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 17, 2005.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.