Michael David Southerland

1951 - 2012

Michael D. Southerland, loved kids and cars

FLORENCE- Michael David Southerland died May 11, 2012, at home, surrounded by loving family and friends, following a brave battle against Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).

Michael was born Dec. 5, 1951, in Knoxville, Tenn., and spent much of his early life in Atlanta, Ga., before moving to the Pioneer Valley in 1979.

Michael loved children and spent two decades teaching at Hampshire Community Action's Daycare Center. At HCAC he helped hundreds of young children develop to their full potential and provided families with wise counsel and support. His second career was as a co-owner of ARC Garage. Here, he enjoyed his other passion in life which was cars.
Michael had many diverse interests and talents including music, landscape design, woodworking, painting, reading, running and biking.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Debra Hertz; and his two much beloved daughters, Laura of New York City, N.Y. and Erica of Boston. He leaves his parents, Lucy and Derrell Southerland; and his sister, Donna of Rabun Gap, Ga. Michael leaves many close friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Michael's life will take place on Saturday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Northampton. On May 20 Erica will be running to raise funds for ALS research. Donations may be made through Friday, May 18 via the following link: www.harpoon5miler.com/Harpoon-5-Miler-2012/TeamMichaelSoutherland. After Friday donations can be sent directly to the Angel Fund, 649 Main St., Wakefield, MA 01880.