Michael Edward Heslin

Michael Edward Heslin ("Mike"), cherished by many, passed away on July 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, during a Birthday Celebration trip with his closest friends. He was 35 years old. There is no medical explanation for the cardiac arrest, which brought an abrupt and far too premature end to his extraordinary life.
Michael was born on July 20, 1988 at 5:30 PM at Redlands Community Hospital in Redlands, California to John and Geriann Heslin. Michael was a devoted and loving big brother to Andrew, Robert ("Bob"), Timmy, and Anna (or as Mike called her, "AnnaMarie"). Mike was the epitome of a role model for his siblings, offering a comforting shoulder to cry on, a compassionate ear to listen, and a loyal friend always ready to offer sage advice. He was both the first person to share good news with and the first person to turn to in times of trouble for his siblings. As the oldest child, at an early age, Michael completely embraced his family and took on the role as advocate, supporter, and guide to his siblings, parents, and extended family. Michael exemplified and instilled his qualities of choosing happiness, optimism, gratitude, and most importantly, unconditional love without judgment to everyone. Michael's greatest joy was being a husband to his soulmate, Nicolas (Nic) Wilson. Nic was welcomed into the family when they celebrated their love in a joyful, unforgettable, ABBA-filled wedding on November 11, 2023.
Michael was an especially precocious and engaging little boy. No wonder he was drawn to the world of entertainment from a very young age! His boundless capacity for joy and love was matched only by his immense creative talents as an actor, screenwriter, producer, and vocalist. While growing up in Arizona, he was blessed with opportunities to act and sing in more than 35 plays between the ages of 5 and 19. In his first role, at the age of 5 with Greasepaint Youth Theater, he played an adorable munchkin in the Wizard of Oz under the direction of Wendy Leonard, followed by countless performances with Valley Youth Theater under the direction of Bobb Cooper. At Brophy College Preparatory, he captivated audiences in numerous productions. Four years at Brophy College Preparatory further instilled the ethos of "Being a Man for Others" and it became Michael's guiding belief to guide, protect and advocate for the people in his life.
Michael further honed his craft at The Boston Conservatory, taking on leading roles in numerous productions. His professional career began with the Broadway National Tour of War Horse, and continued to flourish with featured roles on television in Younger, Lioness, and Hallmark's the Holiday Proposal Plan. Together with Nicolas, he created, directed, produced, and starred in Amazon Prime's comedy series, The Influencers. After nearly a decade in New York City, the couple moved to Los Angeles, where they co-founded Well-Versed Entertainment and continued to produce, write and perform in various passion projects. Michael was the Creative Director at Perry Street Software, where he used his creative talents to help foster community and connect millions around the world.
Michael's life overflowed with creativity, humor, music, and heartfelt conversations. Michael spent his final moments as he lived: bravely, generously, exuding unconditional love, and surrounded by his beloved family, husband and friends. Because he generously chose to be an organ donor, he passed on the Gift of Life to four different families. Michael now reunites with his brother Robert ("Bob") in heaven, where they are undoubtedly sharing laughs and adventures once again.
Michael's parents, John and Geriann, are eternally grateful to our Dear Lord for giving us the Priceless Gift of Michael's Loving Life.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND, MICHAEL!
Michael's Celebration of Life will begin with a Visitation and Rosary on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and a Funeral Mass on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 7655 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. To watch the service on live-stream, please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/@olphscottsdale2438/streams
Donations can be made In Memory of Michael Heslin to his favorite Grief Support Organizations:
EricsHouse and Sacred Sorrows
EricsHouse https://www.ericshouse.org/donate-today/
EricsHouse supports survivors of loss to suicide and substance-abuse. As peers in these tragic losses, we open our hearts with compassion and love to help our community heal after devastating loss. Mike was an important part of our healing community, actively supporting our mission. We have been honored to know and journey with Mike in our Men's Support Group and our Sibling Loss Support Group in the aftermath of the loss of his beloved brother, Robert. Mike enriched and inspired those groups through his compassion, sincerity, and loving companionship. He is deeply missed. We are grateful for your support.
Sacred Sorrows http://www.sacredsorrows.org
Sacred Sorrows helps grieving Mothers and Grandmothers integrate their deep grief through the mystery of God's grace. This is encountered in our retreats, online programs, and deeply connected community. The Sacred Sorrows Grace-filled community gave the gift of peace, hope, and healing to Mike's Mother, Geriann after the tragic loss of Mike's brother, Robert in March 2023. Sacred Sorrows continues to hold up Geriann with their fervent prayers, heartfelt compassion, and give her the loving companionship of other Mother's reassuring her that she is not alone in her grief. We are grateful for your support.