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Kevin Michael Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Michael
Eric & Donna Davies
June 4, 2014
Martha, Guthrie, Chelsea and Georgia - I don't know if you'll even see this at this point, and it's hard to know where to begin. We just learned of, and are so sorry to hear, of Kevin's passing. Didn't even know you had returned to the Columbus area. 21 years ago this month you lovingly opened your home, lawn and family in order for us to exchange marital vows in your backyard. All of you are thought of more than you know. There's no doubt Kevin's bright spirit lives on in all of you, and many others including us who he touched.
Donna Torgeson
January 31, 2014
My deepest condolences to you Martha, Guthrie, Chelsea and Georgia. I am truly saddened to hear about Kevin. He was one of the kindest and most thoughtful persons I have ever known. His passion for teaching and helping others was his special gift that he shared with so many. May you find comfort in your memories and know that a great man will not be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Debbie Cochrane
December 28, 2013
Dear Martha and family,
I just heard the sad news. Before Jack passed away this past April, he had spoken with Kevin. Our prayers are with you all. Kevin was a good man and touched so many lives. May your wonderful memories sustain and comfort you.
Eric Nutt
October 29, 2013
I just found out about this from the Columbus Academy alumni magazine. Mr. Michael was one of those teachers that was able to completely change one's preconceived notions about the world around us. My time in his 12th grade philosophy class represents some of the most thought-provoking and educational experiences I had at Academy.
I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Kimberly Moore
September 21, 2013
I was recently informed of Kevin Michael's passing. It is truly saddening to hear about the loss of someone so magnificent. I had Professor Michael as a philosophy instructor at Ohio Dominican. I also had the pleasure of serving him numerous times while I worked at Kroger in Gahanna. In each instance, he was so kind and inspiring, and we would talk as long as time would permit. I would often walk with him after class and we'd discuss how my classes were going or if something in his class was on my mind. He was very open about himself from the moment I met him, which I always admired. I always encouraged my friends to take his class if they ever got the chance, and they were always glad they did. Kevin Michael changed the way I thought about and saw life, and he will never be forgotten.
Dick and Nancy Green
September 20, 2013
Martha, We just heard of Kevin's passing and were so sorry that we did not know at the time. Our prayers and thought are with you. He and Abe can now wrestle together as they did at Academy.
September 13, 2013
Mr. Michael was a client of mine at the bank, and even through his illness, he always had a smile on his face, and joy in his heart. He always said "thanks sweetheart" after i would do his transaction, he was one of the nicest people i have come across in my 29 years of working here.
A few months ago, when he was here, he told me about the brain cancer, and after he left, i felt a strong urging from the Lord to send him a card, with some scriptures in it. A few weeks later, he came into the office with his wife, and he just wanted me to know how much that meant to him, and i was so happy, because i didn't want to offend him in any way. But i told him when the Lord speaks to my heart and tells me to do something, I do it. His reponse was "i think it's always a good idea to do what the Lord says" He asked me where i got the scriptures, and i told him the daily bread at church, he said he would like to have one, and i just happened to have an extra one, so i gave it to him. I only hope and pray that those words gave him some peace and comfort.
My prayers are with all of the family, for he will be truly missed.
Peggy Danna
Maggie Kirwin-Hunter
September 10, 2013
Kevin played a starring role in my childhood starting in Kindergarden. I will never forget swinging on the swings at Edwards Elementary singing "Oh sweet pea" and riding on the bus as he would play the "drums" on his books singing" Day Tripper"and Do you Love me?" by the Beatles as well as" Daydream believer". Whenever I was walking in the neighborhood and he would pass me on his stingray bike ,he would pull up his front tire and pedal past me popping a wheelie and I would laugh my head off. We also got spanked together in 5th grade at least twice by Mrs Moore. He was a fun mischievous boy and we were definitely each others" guilty pleasure". for many years.Too many stories to list here ,but I will remember him with great fondness.
Tim Rosenfield
September 2, 2013
Kevin was my boss, colleague, friend and guitar mate at Breck School. I will remember him as a model of living life with passion, purpose and total authenticity. It is impossible to forget how deeply he loved his wife and children; that alone made him a great human being, yet he also shared great affection for the many students whose lives he influenced for the better. Rest in peace dear friend.
August 19, 2013
Kevin was such a great mentor to me when I came back to Academy to join the faculty. He was such a great teacher and friend. So many great memories inside and outside of school! I love you, Kevin and miss you terribly. Thoughts and prayers to Martha, Guthrie, Chelsea, and Georgia.
John Wuorinen
Chelsea (Michael) Culver
August 19, 2013
I have read each one of the messages left here carefully - and more than once. I have come to the conclusion that there are no words I can use to express my deep appreciation to those who have left something in this "guest" book (although anyone who knew my Dad was considered family - never a guest). I feel my Dad's presence each day, and will miss him for eternity.
I can say however, that the spiritual weight of everything said and shared here - in this tiny place in the universe - on the internet... has made my heavy heart feel a little bit lighter.
Thank you all.
Tyson Gerhold
August 18, 2013
Mr Michael had an incredible influence on me in my time at Columbus Academy. My year in his philosophy class impacts my daily life, even now. He will be deeply missed. God rest your soul, Kevin.
August 16, 2013
Every student I advise at Ohio Dominican University always say that they would gladly take any philosophy class as long as Kevin was teaching it. Martha and family you are in my prayers. He was taken too soon! Kim Miller
Leigh Weiss
August 16, 2013
I am so sorry, Martha. My thoughts are with you.
Greg Sweney
August 16, 2013
Well I'm just finishing Tom Holden's beautiful words, and as I read it, I couldn't help but think how Tom was absolutely at the 'core' of Kevin's friends and loved ones. There is a certain symmetry to people like Kevin & Tom, or David Pryor, Jimmy Fulford, Tom Burns .... real kindred souls through decades of life and lifetimes.
Then there's people/friends like me, who loved and cared for Kevin every day that I knew him, but from more of a distance. Kevin made all his relationships feel important, and mine was no different. As interested in what he was doing, especially musically, he was always curious and supportive in my life and dreams/endeavors. He was a beautiful soul .... He is a beautiful soul ....
Lastly, I want to say how incredibly satisfying it is to scroll through all of the warm memories posted here by his many students. These were relationships that Kevin had, that I wasn't party to, nor knew about, and yet ... I KNOW exactly what they must have been like. Kevin gave way more than he took, and it was easy, and is still easy, to smile and feel deeply thankful, .. grateful to Him, for love and friendship to so many ... that will always be Kevin Michael. What greater gift to people than yourself !
My prayers, love and strength to Martha, and all your incredible kids. They know, most of all, how lucky we all were to know and love him. Thanks for allowing me to share. And a warm hug to Tom Holden, one of my very favorite people in life and in everyone's eyes, forever bonded in love and laughter (& some trouble/lol), with Kevin.
August 16, 2013
Kevin was such such an inspiration, he will be greatly missed in the neighborhood, and especially by myself. Heartfelt sympathies go out to Martha and family.
Dan Paxton
August 15, 2013
I only have the fondest memories of Kevin. He was a fine person. My sympathies to you and your family Martha.
Dan Paxton
Tom Millard
August 14, 2013
Mr. Michael, as he was then known, left an imprint on any who took his classes at Academy. His boundless spirit, kindness, integrity and madcap sense of humor served his students well as an example of what adulthood could be. He fostered skepticism in the best sense of the word, demonstrating to us the importance of questioning assumptions and viewing things from other points of view. He strenuously encouraged students to develop an ear for their own drummer, and to have the courage to pursue that call. His composite included strains of Richard Pryor (PG-rated), Dick Gregory, John Sebastian, and John Lennon; he was the closest teacher I ever had to John Keating, the character played by Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society. Condolences to his wife, children, family and friends; appreciation for his work and humanity.
Clair H Mealy Holt CA '98
August 13, 2013
Dr. Michael welcomed me as a curious, overwhelmed, and excited spirit from Texas into his classroom. He was generous with his understanding yet stern with his expectations (hard then, but in hindsight the best balance). He gave us the space we needed to love ideas and exchange their meaning with one another. I'll never forget his sweet and honest face - always ready to chat a bit and hear the latest. A lover of life and truth. I always was so soothed by his laugh and natural effervescence. He truly knew when you were in the mud and did his best to connect with the possibilities in us.
Warmest love to the family as you learn the new world. Thank you for sharing your sweet daddy and husband with all of us at CA.
Dan & Sherri Parent
August 13, 2013
Martha we are sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Sherri Parent
August 12, 2013
Thank you Kevin for your love and support over the past several years. Always cheering me on. Our neighborhood has lost a truly unique spirit and friend. Peace and love to Martha, Guthrie, Chelsea, and Georgia
Tom Heath
August 12, 2013
Mr. Michael was a teacher in and out of the classroom and a coach on and off the mat. He maintained a delicate balance between showing us what we should do and helping us find our own reasons for why we should do it. His spirit and his legacy transcend his brief time with us. My condolences to his family and friends.
August 11, 2013
Kevin was definitely a unique individual. He was by far the most influential educator that I ever came across. His life lessons helped shaped me into the person I am today and I can only imagine how many others were influenced just by this single individual. I never had a chance to thank him for everything he taught me, but I can tell you that much of who I am today is partly due to his influence in my life. The world has lost a great a great educator, mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family during this difficult time!
Respectfully,
Matthew Kauffman
Columbus Academy "92
SZE
August 10, 2013
Kevin was a real gem of a person. He left humanity much better than he found it and the world seems a little duller in his absence. For those who received his love and guidance though, the world is a brighter place indeed. Truly a life well lived!
August 10, 2013
An amazing person who was such a huge influence on my life. Mr. Michael taught me in the classroom and on the mat, but most importantly he taught us about life. His lessons will never be forgotten - thanks Mr. Michael, you will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to the entire Michael family - Billy Rahe '91
greg sally
August 10, 2013
the best friend i have ever had. words cannot explain how valuable you were to my life.i will always miss you.
Ray and Suanne Sines
August 10, 2013
Saddened by your loss.
Love to all,
Tom Holden
August 10, 2013
I spent the better part of my adult life trying to find the right words to express an idea, a moment, or an event. As a journalist, it was an essential skill. I did it in part because Kevin saw in me years ago something I doubted was there. Way back then, during our high school years, it was Kevin who instilled in me the confidence that I could be something I never thought possible. It was among the many gifts of friendship that he would share with me and, looking back, evidence of the first stirrings of the great teacher he became. When we lived together at Ohio State, we worked constantly on reinventing our lives, on becoming something new and exciting in between bouts of playing guitars, listening to music and enjoying the crazy life of college kids. Now with his passing I struggle to find the right words. Kevin meant more to me than I know how to express. He was one of my two priceless, true life-long friends. He also happened to be a terrifically funny, insightful, and devoted friend, a man who time and again showed that a life well examined was the one to have. I will miss him terribly. I will miss the many thoughtful conversations and the inevitable humor that crept into every one. I will miss hearing the excitement in his voice when I called and how he pretended to pout when Martha and I would talk first. Even today, I cannot bear to think he is gone from this world, but I believe he is out there in the one we cannot see. My thoughts are with you Martha, Guthrie, Chelsea and Georgia. They will always be with you. I love you all.
August 10, 2013
Our sympathies to Martha and family,
Christa and Chip Viets
Chad Bowen
August 10, 2013
Kevin and I were classmates at Bexley High School. He was always truly one of the "good guys" God needs him for work in Heaven. Peace and grace to all of his family.
Bryan Evans
August 9, 2013
Kevin Michael was my teacher for 3 years at Columbus Academy, and one of the most profound influences on my academic life. He was an amazing teacher, and will be missed.
Andy Wright
August 9, 2013
A great man, deep thinker, and kind soul.
Tony Ginnetti
August 9, 2013
Kevin was one of my very first best friends from Edwards Elemenary School who, like me, shared a unique sense of humor and were both huge fans of TV's "The Wild Wild West". I, unfortunately, lost complete touch once we entered Jr. High and never saw him again. I'm very saddened by his passing as I have now seen three of my first best friends pass on. After reading about all he accomplished in his life, I can proudly say It was an honor knowing him even though it was when we were just kids. God Bless his wonderful family and friends. R.I.P. my friend.
August 9, 2013
As a young man, Dr Michael gave me impossibly valuable insights into the power of intellectual perception, musical expression and patient, genuine communication. He gave to me an internalized appreciation of the incredible power of an honest pursuit of the most true and potent qualities of human life. Thank you Dr Michael.
August 9, 2013
We will never forget him and all the tings he did for us. He always made us feel we were important. Always helping everyone. Bought my book. loved my drawings, loved the Ohio state flag and shirt I made for him . Kevin I know you will be alright and your still will be with us. Tex and I will always remember you. Love Judy Duncan and Tex
Ashley Lewis
August 9, 2013
I unfortunately was only able to have Kevin Michaels for 2 weeks at Ohio Dominican until he had to leave. However, in those 2 weeks, he was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. He was such a kind, caring and compassionate person that put a smile on everyone's face. I was so excited to wake up and go to his class at 8am! He will be truly missed but always be loved!
Ashley Lewis
Former student at Ohio Dominican University
August 9, 2013
A sad farewell to my former colleague. Kevin's sharp mind and keen intellect will be remembered. Deepest condolences to Martha and the children.
Jerry Izzo
Jessica Wagner
August 9, 2013
I am so deeply saddened by this. Mr. Michael was such an excellent and inspiring teacher and mentor. Some of my fondest Academy memories are from being in his philosophy class. My heartfelt sympathies go to his family.
Emily Stein
August 9, 2013
Shake and bake, Georgia. Wishing you and your family peace. Lots of love.
Alexander Garcia
August 9, 2013
Coach Michael was an incredible person who had true and lasting impacts on so many of us. He was my wrestling coach, but I almost never think of him in terms of wrestling even though we shared some memorable moments! Rather, I knew him as a guide. I think Socrates would declare that Kevin's life was not unexamined, and WAS worth living! His life and love and passion and generosity lives on in me and so many others. All my love to Martha, Guthrie, Chelsea and Georgia.
Laura Piotrowski
August 9, 2013
I learned valuable life lessons from Dr. Michael that I still use and will forever use. My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss.
Christopher Taylor
August 9, 2013
One of the best teachers I ever had. He will live on in the hearts of his students. Thanks for everything.
Miraj Savla
August 9, 2013
Very sad to learn this news. I remember him from my time at Academy. I specifically remember him reaching out to me and encouraging me. He was a great educator and very supportive of his students. He will be missed and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. - Miraj Savla
Matt Nahorn
August 9, 2013
So sad to learn this news. May God be with his family at this difficult time. Mr. Michael was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. God bless.
Chris Pfeil
August 9, 2013
Kevin will be well remembered by the Lake Ridge community which he helped strengthen.
Fred Schweizer
August 9, 2013
As a former student who went on to become a teacher, he was an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sara and James Laughlin
August 9, 2013
My most loving thoughts are with the Michael family. I didn't know Kevin, but I love his amazing son Guthrie, and if Guthrie is any indication, Kevin must have been quite the incredible man, to say the least. James and I send out love to Guthrie and his family.
Marissa Huber
August 9, 2013
Professor Kevin was the best Philosophy teacher I've ever had. He truly cared for all of his students! I enjoyed talking to him! He will be deeply missed at Ohio Dominican!!!! My thoughts and prayers to his family! RIP Kevin.
God Bless,
Marissa Huber
Senior at Ohio Dominican University
Brad Linville
August 9, 2013
Mr. Michael was my wrestling coach and one of my favorite teachers at Columbus Academy. As a coach, he encouraged all members of the team and took the time to teach form and technique - plus he brought in his classic rock records and played them during practice!!
As a teacher he taught us and treated us like adults, even though we were young men. His philosophy class challenged us to think on our own, despite our insecurities and misgivings. I think of him often - walking the halls in his robes on occasion - and wish I had more time with him. He will be missed!!
David Feinberg CA '94
August 9, 2013
It has been close to 20 years since I had seen Kevin, but reading about this today bring me great sadness. There are very few people that had such a profound impact on the way I think about things and approach life. I am so sorry for your families loss.
August 9, 2013
Kevin leaves us too soon...going out on a meteor shower. I have a lot of wonderful memories and know that he is a bright spirit in the worlds beyond.
Danielle Parrish
August 8, 2013
Martha, Guthrie , Chelsea & Georgia ,
Kevin was a special kind of person that touched many lives while you all where here at LRA and those memories will be cherished by all who loved him. Our condolences from one of the groups who will always consider you all family!
Warmly,
Danielle Parrish
Lake Ridge Academy
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