Michael Alan Whiting

1955 - 2017

Whiting, Michael Alan,

Michael Alan Whiting passed into new life on October 12, 2017, in Louisville, surrounded by his family. He was born October 11, 1955 in Louisville, the son of Patricia Ramser-Palma and Alan Whiting. He was an engaged member of St. William Church and Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion.

Michael's passion for peacemaking, justice-building and nonviolence, his artistic gifts, and his endless humor, made him friends in many communities. He was always an advocate for less fortunate people, and his heart took him to work with homeless people, those with disabilities, children, and refugees.

Michael was an avid cyclist, ran cross-country, and was an accomplished Shaolin Wushu teacher. He wrote kids peace songs and was a master at creating on-the-spot mind-challenging games.

The greatest gift Michael gave his hometown was his tireless work for justice, peace, Earth-care and interfaith understanding. He was a student of Mahatma Gandhi and Eknath Easwaran, and was a teacher of nonviolence. He was a co-creator or collaborator of many justice-initiatives around the city, including The Disarmer, Sowers of Justice Network, Louisville's Arms of Compassion, and Nonviolent Compassionate Louisville. He was awarded the 2009 Peace Medal from Trinity High School.

Michael always encouraged others to be their best selves. He was a life-long student and spiritual traveler. He treated his body as a holy temple deserving healthy exercise and food. He nourished his spirit with daily prayer and meditation. He was a life-long student. To his four children, Michael was a teacher, conductor, and an example of devotion and engaged service for others.

Michael was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Alan B and Nancye Whiting, his brother Peter, and his sister Mary. He is survived by his four children, Ethan Krishna, Erik Ardas, Elese Darshan and Evelyn Anandi, his mother Patricia Ramser-Palma, stepfather Pat Palma, sister Terry Whiting, brothers John and Paul Whiting, and Greg (Janet) Walker.

An Interfaith Prayer Service honoring Michael will be held Thursday, October 19, 5:30pm at Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion (DGCEC), 411 N. Hubbards Lane, 40207.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. William Church, 1226 W. Oak, 40210 on Friday, October 20: 9am Visitation, 10am Service with a Reception following until 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations welcome to St. William/St. Vincent de Paul Conference or to DGCEC. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.Newcomerkentuckiana.com.