In 2007, Mike fulfilled his long-time dream of living in Arizona by moving to Gilbert, AZ.  It gave him the enjoyable opportunity to spend time with his two older grandsons, Michael lll and Abe.  He picked up where he left off in supporting the younger generation's activities.  Whether it was Abe's year-round weekend games, or an hour long drive for a 30 second race at Michael III's swim meets, he was always there.  Mike had always worked hard and didn't have a desire to stop.  In May of 2008 Mike was hired by Edupoint Educational Systems, LLC as an accountant, a job he really enjoyed.   Mike made it to the point in life he had dreamed of, unfortunately,  just as he was getting settled into life in Arizona, he was taken from us.  On August 24, 2009, Mike Sr. succumbed to pulmonary fibrosis just three weeks after being diagnosed.

Mike will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren, brothers, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved dog Ralph.  The Elmore Family will forever cherish the opportunity they had to see Mike at The Elmore's 4th of July Family Reunion.  Being an active participant in the weekend golf tournement and the Elmore Olympics, the family did not expected what was to come in the weeks to follow.  Those memories and pictures will be looked upon by all with both smiles and tears.

We love you dad

Michael and Courtney

Mike moved back to South bend in 1993 and worked as an accountant with Ginger Valley Inc. There he continued to enjoy and play golf, attend ND hockey and basketball games, and recaptured his enthusiasm for Notre Dame football.   He enjoyed hosting  family gatherings on game day as Irish tailgating and the feeling of being in the stadium made for memorable family outings.  His move to South Bend allowed  Mike the opportunity to renew his old acquaintances and reminisce the high school days.  He was never one to say "no" to an evening at the bar with friends or family.

In 1968, Mike married Suzanne Hartnett in Coeur d'Alene, ID.  They returned to Indiana and moved to Columbus, IN where Mike was employed within the accounting department at the headquarters of Cummins Engine.  They expanded their family to include Michael Jr  ('69) and Courtney ('72).  In 1974, they packed up their home and headed west to Coeur d'Alene as Mike became involved with the Hartnett family business, Reid Bros. Oil Company.  Mike continued his love of sports as a Men's Club member at the Cd'A Public Golf Course, played on several softball and basketball league teams, and ran in a few of the local 10K races.  He enjoyed spending his summer weekends at the family cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene as family fun was very important to him.

Mike loved raising his kids in Coeur d'Alene, a place where the kids could rome and be safe.  He supported Michael and Courtney in their outdoor activities and sporting events.  He encouraged them by taking a genuine loving interest in what they were doing.  For Courtney, that included coaching one of her softball teams, attending all her drill team performances, and traveling the Northwest for baton competitions.  Mike introduced the game of golf to Michael Jr. as all fathers should.  He watched proudly as Michael played Junior golf, High School golf, and College golf.  He supported Michael's track aspirations by building  high hurdles for backyard practice. He was always there cheering Michael on during the 10K's his son would run.  He was so very proud to have both his children graduate from Universities and pursue careers in which they enjoyed and grew successful in.

Mike stood by and watched with pride as his children grew up and married wonderful individuals.  He was given four grandchilderen that he cherished.    Mike Jr. lives in Mesa, Arizona and is married to Jennifer.  They have two boys, Michael lll, 15, and Abe, 9, who were fortunate to have the opportunity to spend the last two years with their grandfather.  Courtney is married to Glenn and have 2 children, Dylan, 3, and Hailey, almost 2. They now live in Downingtown, PA.

Michael Wayne Elmore Sr. (Mike) was born on March 6, 1946 to William J. and Margaret E. Elmore.  He grew up in South Bend, IN alongside his two older brothers Bill and Dave.  His boyhood years were spent in the Clay Township within the shadow of the University of Nortre Dame.  Michael's brothers introduced him to every sport imaginable.  They were the ones who sparked his lifelong love affair with the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears and ND.  Mike attended Clay High School and graduated in 1964.  He became quite the athlete at Clay High earning seven letters in basketball and track and field.  His track and field specialty was the high hurdles, where he set the school record at 110 yards, a record that stood for several years.  Shortly after graduating from Clay High he enrolled at Indiana University, South Bend and also served his country by joining the Army Reserves.