Michael Wilson

1955 - 2022

Michael Gary Wilson was born on Dec. 30, 1955, in Watervliet to Walter and Iola Wilson. He was the youngest of five. He had one sister and three brothers, Stella Ladd, John (Marie) Wilson, Roger Wilson and Paul Wilson.

Michael went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at the age of 66.

He married the love of his life, Debra D. Simmons, on Jan. 19, 1974, and they shared three beautiful daughters together, Jennifer (Jason) Fischer, Beth (Ben) Wagner and Hannah Wilson (Russell Aydelotte); and 10 grandchildren, Samantha, Sammy, Jordan, Steve, Solomon, Ariona, Madi Roe, Wyatt, Arlowe and Abbi.

He was one of the kindest, gentlest, purest and most compassionate souls to walk the face of this earth. To be loved by him was so much more than love that it cannot be described with words. Everyone he encountered wanted to be his best friend, because of the spirit, grace and love that poured out of him and surrounded him every day, everywhere he went. That is why so many people called him their best friend.

He was his wife's rock and protector, her peace and calm, her very best friend of 48 years. She was the love of his life, followed closely by his three daughters, grandchildren and sons-in-law.

To his daughters, he was laughter, adventure, grace and wisdom. Daddy's hands and hugs could fix anything. He always had a mystery or adventure to take them on or tell them about. He always encouraged them and built them up. He taught them to dream, and that they can do or be anything their hearts desired, and he believed in them.

Dad never got mad at any of his kids, even when they did things like crash his motorcycle or cars. He only cared that they were OK. He said, "Things are just things, people can't be replaced, I'm just glad you're OK." He'd say you don't cry over spilled milk. It didn't matter the situation, good or bad, Dad would say, "You'll look back someday and everything will be OK, were just 'makin' memories.'"

To his grandchildren, he was their role model for life, loving them and accepting them just the way they are, even when they were naughty. They were always his angels, no matter what.

His favorite things to do were to be out in nature, sitting under a pine tree or looking at the river, playing music with his grandchildren, fishing, hearing Debra sing, spending time with his family, and sneaking off to get Coke slushies with his oldest grandson.

He was the calm in every storm. His presence just made everything OK, no matter what was going on.

His family will forever have a hole in their hearts that nothing but him can fill, but they will live off the love and memories he left behind. He gave them enough love for an infinite number of lifetimes.

Until we meet again, we'll see him on the other side of Jordan, a beautiful, beautiful man, and we'll have a Coke slushy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Iola; brother, Roger; sister, Stella; and father-in-law, Jerry.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.

Memorials in Michael's honor can be made to Lake Michigan Beach Community Church.

To leave a message or share a memory with the family online, visit duffieldpastrick.com.