Michael A. Kemp

Michael "Mike" Kemp, 61, of Erieville, NY slipped away peacefully on his son in laws birthday, August 28, 2025, something only he would come up with! Mike was born on Feb 20, 1964 to Jane Kemp (Higby) and Harold. He knew that him and his brother Al were so lucky to have had Jane as a mother. She was truly an Angel on earth, spending her time pouring into her family, church, and giving back to the community. She passed down her loving spirit and values to her boys and grandchildren. Mike spent his younger years playing many different sports. He participated in FFA and was a graduate of Hamilton Central School. He was proud to work for several farms, Best Brands, McCraith Beverages, and retired from the Madison County highway department. It was there he met some of his best friends, the Greenwood brothers. He had a real knack for buying and reselling something to make a buck. He was no stranger to hard work. He worked from sun up to sun down and many hours in between. He took great pride in keeping his lawn in pristine condition. In fact, everything he owned. Mike traveled near and far to go to a tractor pull. He really enjoyed watching the Weavers pull their tractors. He was also an avid Nascar and NY Yankee fan. He was a huge animal lover and passed that on to his daughter, Michelle. He had a small hobby farm and felt it was very important for his kids to learn how to care for animals. He raised them up right with the same morals and values his Mother instilled in him. He loved them so much. Andrew really turned his life around and Mike was truly so proud of him and how hard he worked to get to where he's at. He was proud of the mother Michelle was, often commenting on how much she was like his mother. He worked very hard as a single Dad and sole provider to his kids, but always made time to play catch, shoot hoops, take the kids sledding and pull them back up the hill with the snowmobile, and always encouraged them to play sports and be outside as much as possible. Mike retired early, bought a motor home, and became a snowbird. He met some wonderful friends in Florida. He started driving for Uber alongside his copilot dog, Daisy. Those two put many miles on his beloved Prius! He parked his RV at his dear friends house for the summers, Ken and Mary Greenwood. He enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the peaceful sounds and of course the friendship. He spent the past 3 months since his diagnosis really living it up. He didn't let Cancer hold him back or slow him down. He even went to Las Vegas and was so proud to have walked around the Grand Canyon. He was talking and making plans the day before he passed away. The very end of his life was very quick and peaceful. For that, his family is very thankful. He is survived by his son, Andrew (Marishka) Kemp; daughter Michelle (TJ) Coon; grandchildren Alyssa, Aubrey, Taylor, Mason, and Cole; his brother Al (Dar) Kemp; niece Danielle(Will) and his great nephews Kannon and Tahmir. His ex wife and mother of his kids, Rhonda Excell whom he recently became close with again. His best friends Doug and Brad Smith, Kenny Greenwood, the rest of the Greenwood family, Marv Jillson, Randy Weaver, Matt Malloy, and so many others. I can't forget to mention Mike's very best bud and partner in crime, Matt Brooks. Matt is the bravest young man and Mike loved him beyond words. You keep on kicking cancers butt, Matt!!! He's reunited in heaven with his parents Jane and Harold, and many great dogs he's had through the years. Special thanks to Mikes dear friend and caregiver, Lela. You took such wonderful care of our father and we are so thankful he had someone like you to be there with him during his last weeks. You supported and encouraged him to live life his way and on his terms. An angel brought him into this world and an angel was there when he left. I would like to leave you all with one of Mike's life lessons. When you pick up a hot pizza from NY pizzeria(slices), make sure to keep it completely flat on your lap so the toppings don't get lopsided! There will be a graveside service and celebration of life at a later date. Michelle will announce on Facebook. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael, please visit our Tree Store.