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BORN
03/30/1956
DIED
07/16/2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Michael Whitman Obituary
Michael was born in California, the family migrated to Grand Rapids, Michigan when he was four, where he spent his youth. Graduating from East Grand Rapids high school, his love of sailing sent him carousing in the Caribbean, a blissful exploring star. A new trajectory, mature horizons eventually beckoned. He spent some time in Aspen, Colorado, before returning to Michigan to pursue college. While attending GRCC, studying pre-dentistry, he worked in a restaurant and his true passion for the culinary was ignited. He then transitioned to The Culinary Institute of New York where he got his first degree.
Returning to Michigan, he became a cornerstone of the West Michigan culinary scene, sought after by all. He was certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Federation, for life. A unique master indeed. He also created his own specialty pizza restaurant, a popular destination in East Grand Rapids. After many fruitful years as an Executive Chef, he made his final transition, attained a master's degree, and became an esteemed educator and mentor, teaching at GRCC's Secchia Institute for Culinary Education until his retirement.
Earlier he was blessed with two boys, parenting them solo until he discovered a mighty woman, another wandering star, and two boys of her own in tow. Two stars now, in orbit around each other, and four planets circling them, their shared children. A family was forged in stellar bonds, indestructible and secure.
He was a passionate, selfless father, and guided his family brilliantly. He was a man full of integrity and kindness, gentle and generous with all. Possessing a keen intellect and quick wit, he brightened every room he entered with smiles and joy. It was always better with him around, as many can attest to, that well-known, magnificent humor his most contagious trait, sending all into everlasting roars of laughter, never to be forgotten.
We will honor, cherish, and love you forever, Michael: Our star.
There will be a gathering of family and friends at the enclosed shelter of Fallasburg Park located at 1124 Fallasburg Road, Lowell, Michigan 49331 on Monday, September 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Michael Whitman
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Whitman
Sponsored by The Family.
12 Entries
Flannery (Cook) Crittendon
Yesterday
What a great teacher and chef, I have fond memories of being his pupil, he always took the time to mentor. A true gentleman and scholar.
Werner Absenger, PhD, MS
Yesterday
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chef Michael Whitman, a valued colleague and dear friend to so many at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. I had the privilege of working alongside Chef Whitman from 2016 until his retirement. In that time, I came to know him as others so often described him-full of knowledge, generous with his expertise, and unwavering in his dedication to students.
As our key liaison for the American Culinary Federation, Chef Whitman represented the best of our profession-professionalism rooted in deep industry experience, paired with humility and genuine care.
Looking back through his classroom survey reports, one comment stood out as the perfect reflection of the man we knew:
"Industry expertise. Chef Whitman has clearly been chosen to teach Hospitality Management based on his years of service in the culinary industry in upper-level management positions. He is also a kind and empathetic instructor who is patient with all different kinds of learning styles. I appreciate his genuine sincerity and his level of care and acceptance for the students in the class."
Chef Whitman was also a thoughtful philosopher of life and learning. In his final work toward achieving the distinguished rank of professor, he quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson-a fitting reminder of the way he approached his work, his students, and the world.
I believe he would appreciate the sentiment in Ralf Waldo Emerson's philosophy about "not going where the path may lead, but instead going where there is no path and leaving a trail."
Chef Mike Whitman's trail is unmistakable-and based on the comments in this thread, will be followed by many culinarians whose lives he touched.
Werner Absenger, PhD, MS
Program Director, Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, Grand Rapids Community College
Kaye McCarty
August 14, 2025
So sad to hear this news. He was always a bright spot in my day when I got to see Chef at GRCC. My sympathies to his family and prayers are with you.
Dan & Dena Scribner
August 12, 2025
Prayers to Family and friends. GRCC is where I met Chef Mike. I samples many of his dishes. R.I.P. God Bless
Robert Garlough
August 12, 2025
I was a colleague of Mike at GRCC, and he was a valued and appreciated member of our culinary staff. He was a positive mentor for his students, and a contributing member to our department. He will be greatly missed by me, and countless others. RIP Mike, and blessings to his dear family.
Rick and Jan Brown
August 11, 2025
Mikie was a dear close friend of ours. We always referred to his as "the good neighbor". When he was creating a new recipe for a local restaurant, he would call us up to be his guinea pigs and of course we always gave him a 5 star rating. Diane would complete the meal and evening with a special dessert. Many fond memories and he will be deeply missed. RIP our friend. Love always!
Dan & Dena Scribner
August 10, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Chloe Hoekstra (Perham)
August 10, 2025
I was a culinary student at GRCC Secchia and he taught me a lot and was a funny guy. Made students want to actually engage in class. I'll be thinking of the family.
TB
August 10, 2025
Thank you for being a great mentor. Your humor and great smile always lit up the class. You showed that you cared greatly about your students and you will live on inside each of us. Rest peacefully
Kim
August 10, 2025
Rest easy Chef Gods kitchen brigade gained another great one . You will be missed!
Matthew Rakoski
August 9, 2025
Chef,
I am and will always be honored to have know you and to have learned from you. Rest easy Chef.
Amy Erwin(hollemans)
August 9, 2025
thank you Chef for your knowledge and freindship. you were the best of the best.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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