Michael Donald Tuttle

Michael Donald Tuttle, 83 passed away on April 19, 2024, after a long fight with Parkinson's and dementia in Bristol Tennessee with Ginny Bumgardner, his life partner, at his side. His struggle with Parkinson's was like many challenges in his life. He took it head-on. His strength was reminiscent of his track and x-country running years in high school, to hiking the entire Appalachian Trail (through-hiker 1984), climbing Kilimanjaro, reaching Base Camp to Mount Everest, large stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail, running several marathons and finally building up his strength again after breaking his thigh bone at the age of 82, to do laps in the circular hallway of his assisted living facility. Dad's motto was "Work hard, play hard and sleep hard". He cheered on everyone to do their best and to achieve their potential.

After several years working as a draftsman for Oldsmobile, and reaching Head Draftsman, he moved on to get his master's in business administration at Michigan State University, while our parents moved our family to an old farm in Portland, Michigan, where we had fun "living off the land". This was tough work but very rewarding years! He then received a position as instructor at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and moved the family to Port Huron, Michigan in 1971. His teaching work meant very much to him, as did the staff, faculty, and his students, making friends for a lifetime. He led the DECA-group at SC4, fostering young entrepreneurs and leaders. Michael wrote and co-authored several textbooks, starting out with his first, "Practical Business Math", which was in use for almost 40 years. He also joined the Lion's Club, served as president at local chapters in Michigan and Florida, and was a member for almost 50 years. During the ten years in Port Huron, our family with both parents in education, spent vacations travelling through 46 States, most of Mexico and the southern provinces of Canada. Dad taught us how to sail and we received the cruising award from Port Huron Yacht Club twice for the year's longest trip. In 1982, he moved to Chicago to try a new profession in business, which led him to Texas, then to Florida, where he again returned to teaching, at Northwood University. He stayed with them for 30 years until his retirement as Associate Professor Emeritus in 2015 at 74. During his tenure he held the position of Dean of Faculty for several years. He also taught with Northwood in Switzerland and Sri Lanka, as well as led several student trips to Europe. These were a part of his world travels that took him to all seven continents. During these years, he enjoyed the warm weather of Florida in the winter months and a summer home near Jonesborough, Tennessee, at his "Hideaway Hill".

Our father was demanding, but also soft in the middle. His family and friends meant a lot to him, and he appreciated the contact he had with all. His hiking buddies and acquaintances from teaching were among his closest friends.

Mike is survived by life partner Ginny Bumgardner, his children. Kevin John Tuttle (Ingrid), Tod A Tuttle (Kathy), grandchildren, Danielle K Bukowski (Nick), Emilie Tuttle Lie, Sigurd Tuttle Lie, Cherise M Tuttle (Cody), great grandchildren, Layla, and Sutton Bukowski, his sisters Sue Rinckey (Jerry) Carolyn Kirkby (Dale) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Harriet Tuttle, brother-in-law Dale Kirkby and his grandson, Cody A Tuttle.

A Memorial for Michael will be held on the 24th of May
officiated by Rev. Linda Farmer-Lewis at
Central United Methodist Church
215 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, Michigan 48933
10:00 visitation
11:00 service and 12:00 luncheon.

A Celebration of Life is planned for the summer in Tennessee, with details to be announced at a later date. Michael's life was a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he touched.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or the West Palm Beach/Wellington Lions Club Fountainview.

Blevins Funeral and Cremation Services in Bristol, VA, is assisting with the arrangements.