July 10, 2022
July 10, 2022
I think of you often Mike and remember the many years that I worked with you on our printing needs at Cadillac State Bank and NBD. RIP!
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Michael Townsend, 64 years old, born on July 10, 1949, and passed away on April 3, 2014. We will remember him forever.
Tributes
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April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
Your memories are indeed with us forever. It is so hard to believe 8 years have passed. You are missed everyday.
April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
The family misses you more than ever ! You are always in our thoughts and prayers
July 10, 2021
July 10, 2021
The memory of you is alive and well in your son's being ! He looks and sounds just like you! You will always be with us ! You are loved
April 4, 2021
April 4, 2021
We miss you ,and you are forever in our hearts
April 3, 2020
April 3, 2020
Thanks for keeping the memories alive guys.
April 3, 2020
April 3, 2020
I will alway remember Mike as a CHS classmate and in later years working with him. He owned Cadillac Printing and I worked at The Cadillac State Bank and he did a lot of our printing. Think of him each year at this time.
August 7, 2018
August 7, 2018
What a super guy. We were Blessed to have known him. Julie, you gave him such love and support to the very end. Your an angel.
July 11, 2018
July 11, 2018
Your family wishes you a Happy Birthday . We miss you!
April 4, 2018
April 4, 2018
Bill and I are keeping you in our thoughts, Mike. Memories help us all, but life forever changes without our loved ones who have passed. Our hugs, prayers for Julie, Jeff and families♡♡♡
April 4, 2018
April 4, 2018
Margy and I think of you often.
You are missed my friend
You are missed my friend
April 3, 2018
April 3, 2018
Hard to imagine that four years have passed without you.
You are missed & thought of often.
You are missed & thought of often.
July 10, 2017
July 10, 2017
Your family misses you ! You are always in our thoughts !
July 10, 2017
July 10, 2017
Happy Birthday Michael T. Miss you every day. Had some great whitefish pate this weekend and thought of you. Also had a beer by the river in your honor. Much love to you.
July 10, 2017
July 10, 2017
We are missing you.
April 5, 2017
April 5, 2017
You are in my thoughts and prayers
April 3, 2017
April 3, 2017
Seems so long ago - and yet sometimes like it was yesterday - since you were here!
April 3, 2017
April 3, 2017
Hi Jack and Julie, Love you guys so very much. It cannot be three years, can it? By now, Alex has become an expert fisherman under Mike's tutelidge. Never forgotten, kind man.
Much love, PK and Tom
Much love, PK and Tom
April 3, 2017
April 3, 2017
Not a day goes by that you are not thought of and missed.
April 3, 2017
April 3, 2017
"Mike you are missed, but never forgotten. love ya brother.
July 11, 2016
July 11, 2016
You would have loved your little granddaughter - she looks like a Townsend for sure....Miss you.
April 3, 2016
April 3, 2016
Hey Mike,
On the way home from Florida Margy and I heard many songs that made us think about you. We think of you all the time.
Love ya brother.
On the way home from Florida Margy and I heard many songs that made us think about you. We think of you all the time.
Love ya brother.
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
Happy Birthday Mike! You are still missed here! I got to meet your
granddaughter this week...she has those BIG beautiful Townsend eyes!
You would have loved her!
granddaughter this week...she has those BIG beautiful Townsend eyes!
You would have loved her!
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
Hi Mike, Happy 66 in heaven. It has been 6 years and 6 months for Alex in heaven. This is not a coincidence and tells us you know each other there! My nephew attended your memorial fishing tournament. Your sis is the best. Please give AL a hug for us and keep teaching him more about fishing. Love, PK and Tom
April 14, 2015
April 14, 2015
Remembrance is found in the most beautiful trees
that by the river now grow. Josh suggested these trees be planted.
They have survived their first winter and will mark time forever with
memory.
that by the river now grow. Josh suggested these trees be planted.
They have survived their first winter and will mark time forever with
memory.
April 3, 2015
April 3, 2015
Mike, We met Julie and Angie at the "spot" and drank a few Labatt’s and shared many memories.
You might be gone but never forgotten.
Bill & Margy
You might be gone but never forgotten.
Bill & Margy
April 3, 2015
April 3, 2015
Had some really good times with Mike and Annemarie.
Will miss him.
Sincerely,
Shari & Gary Bednarick
Will miss him.
Sincerely,
Shari & Gary Bednarick
April 3, 2015
April 3, 2015
Mike - you've been gone a whole year and there is still a big void where you lived, worked, laughed and loved! Missing you still!
April 3, 2015
April 3, 2015
Julie, Josh, Kristen and family - My prayers go out to you all on this day - I am sure you are remembering Mike as I do...sorely missed!
God Bless! Pam
God Bless! Pam
April 3, 2015
April 3, 2015
Hi Julie and fam, Can it really be a year? Seems so long and yet so short. Spring, fishing...Mike! One of his rocks sits in the living room and another in the kitchen. I assume by now that he has really upped Alex's fishing skills in heaven. Love you, PK and Tom ❤️
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
Thinking of you this Christmas, Mike...miss you!
December 21, 2014
December 21, 2014
Mike you are on my mine. Thinking about you on the beach fishing and watching the waves.. I miss you my friend
July 10, 2014
July 10, 2014
Warm, caring thoughts of Mike for his 65th birthdate. Remembering when I was the babysitter cousin. I was only 3 years older. Haha. Sending hugs to all for memories and great moments to help you through. Bill & Cheryl
July 10, 2014
July 10, 2014
Happy Birthday Mike! You took the early retirement plan - I so miss you here!
May 20, 2014
May 20, 2014
Getting ready to head to Cadillac. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you and bring my Dad back to the place he loved so much. He knew he belonged by the river, and that's where he'll be "Gone fishin."
May 8, 2014
May 8, 2014
Jim Boyle- Golf Pro Cadillac Country Culb
Cadillac Country Club recently lost a former Club President and Board Member with the passing of Mike Townsend. I first met Mike the day I interviewed and accepted the golf professional position at Cadillac. Before I met Mike he had already experienced some challenges to his health. Those challenges had affected Mike so much that I was once told that, "I had never met the real Mike Townsend." It wasn't easy for me to imagine the "real" Mike Townsend because I admired the one that I had come to know so much. Mike possessed a laid back personality that belied his trait of giving back to his community and our Club. Cadillac Country Club has always been fortunate to have members that are willing to volunteer their time and talents to our Club. People like that are hard to replace and Mike was one of those people. I will miss his words of encouragement. Rest in peace, Mike.
Cadillac Country Club recently lost a former Club President and Board Member with the passing of Mike Townsend. I first met Mike the day I interviewed and accepted the golf professional position at Cadillac. Before I met Mike he had already experienced some challenges to his health. Those challenges had affected Mike so much that I was once told that, "I had never met the real Mike Townsend." It wasn't easy for me to imagine the "real" Mike Townsend because I admired the one that I had come to know so much. Mike possessed a laid back personality that belied his trait of giving back to his community and our Club. Cadillac Country Club has always been fortunate to have members that are willing to volunteer their time and talents to our Club. People like that are hard to replace and Mike was one of those people. I will miss his words of encouragement. Rest in peace, Mike.
May 7, 2014
May 7, 2014
Aunt Mary, Julie, Jack and Jeff,
Saddened to hear of Mike's passing and know he bravely tried to battle his health issues. Gosh, Mike reminded us so much of Uncle Shag!! His quiet nature and love of golf, fishing etc. We know your memories will help you all. We send hugs & prayers.
Saddened to hear of Mike's passing and know he bravely tried to battle his health issues. Gosh, Mike reminded us so much of Uncle Shag!! His quiet nature and love of golf, fishing etc. We know your memories will help you all. We send hugs & prayers.
May 7, 2014
May 7, 2014
I regret not having been able to spend more time with Michael ,and not getting to know him better.I am glad for the times we spent together, and the fishing and hunting stories we swapped.We both shared that love.His legacies are Kristen and Josh and I know they will carry his torch. Peace be with you my friend...
Stephen Mack
Stephen Mack
April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014
Dear Townsend family. My deepest sympathy to all. Last fall I had the honor of visiting my Aunt Mary on a daily bases,she would talk about how in a previous house both Mike and brother Jeff would play with there match box cars on or in the fire place. Oh how that would upset her.Micheal was nine years my senior so we didn't grow up close. Micheal was a quiet but he was mischievous too! A man with a good heart that was taken to soon. Here is a poem that sums it up. I'M FREE. Don"t grieve for me ;for now I'm free.I'm following the path God has laid you see. I took his hand when I heard him call.I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared,a laugh a kiss, oh yes ,these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full. I savored much.Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don;t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee. God granted me now; He set me free.
April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014
So I have been thinking, and thinking about what I might say that would convey my feelings and my love for Mike. He adopted me somewhere around 11, I think. My Mother, Anne Marie married a kind, gentle man whose quiet demeanor was somewhat perplexing for a pre-teen adolescent girl. He never had a lot to say, but when he did it was meaningful and insightful. He was, for all practical purposes the only Father I have ever known. I can honestly say that I did not have full appreciation for Mike until I reached adulthood. His acceptance and tolerance of others was something to admire. Over the years, Mike and I had many discussions on various subjects. His advice, always sage and truthful. He weighed his words carefully, but gave it to me straight; knowing my weaknesses and strengths, embracing the child now grown. He loved my sarcastic sense of humor and we shared many a chuckle at the silliness of life. His self-deprecating style made him all the more real and loveable to me.
I was thankful to be able to make the trip down to see him in his last few days. Julie was a rock, and I hope someone is as dedicated to me someday, as Julie was to Mike and his quality of life and care. Never was there a better sister in a great time of need. In the days since his passing I have talked with him every day trying to find peace and celebrate his freedom from all the ties that bound him here. I’ve had some angry moments, which they tell is normal.
I had to venture to Cadillac on a day trip to pick something up a few weekends ago. He had a ratty old beach chair that was upstairs in the Shop…I took it with me and it makes me smile when I look at it. I posted a pic of him in that chair with Little Miss J. The surreal quality of this situation not lost on me or the rest of his loved ones and friends. I feel him with me. I miss him dearly. He will forever be in my head and in my heart.
I was thankful to be able to make the trip down to see him in his last few days. Julie was a rock, and I hope someone is as dedicated to me someday, as Julie was to Mike and his quality of life and care. Never was there a better sister in a great time of need. In the days since his passing I have talked with him every day trying to find peace and celebrate his freedom from all the ties that bound him here. I’ve had some angry moments, which they tell is normal.
I had to venture to Cadillac on a day trip to pick something up a few weekends ago. He had a ratty old beach chair that was upstairs in the Shop…I took it with me and it makes me smile when I look at it. I posted a pic of him in that chair with Little Miss J. The surreal quality of this situation not lost on me or the rest of his loved ones and friends. I feel him with me. I miss him dearly. He will forever be in my head and in my heart.
April 22, 2014
April 22, 2014
We express our heartfelt sympathy to the Townsend family. We have fond memories of time with our cousin, nephew and friend. Mike will never be forgotten.
Aunt Doris Chapman, Linda Chapman and Bob Gates
Aunt Doris Chapman, Linda Chapman and Bob Gates
April 17, 2014
April 17, 2014
Cadillac Evening News- Comments from Dana Vance
Dear Mary, Julie, Jack and Jeff, We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was one of the most honest, kind and sincere people we have ever met. The times our family shared with him will be treasured. The camping trips and fishing trips were great fun. I will never forget his dry sense of humor. His "McTowsend" will always be remembered and enjoyed at every camping trip in Mike's honor. Recipe: One fried egg, A couple pieces of fried bacon, toasted english muffin and the key ingredient is bar cheese, lots of it too! With love from, The Vance family (Dana, Jim, Rob, Brittany & Jamie)
Dear Mary, Julie, Jack and Jeff, We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was one of the most honest, kind and sincere people we have ever met. The times our family shared with him will be treasured. The camping trips and fishing trips were great fun. I will never forget his dry sense of humor. His "McTowsend" will always be remembered and enjoyed at every camping trip in Mike's honor. Recipe: One fried egg, A couple pieces of fried bacon, toasted english muffin and the key ingredient is bar cheese, lots of it too! With love from, The Vance family (Dana, Jim, Rob, Brittany & Jamie)
April 16, 2014
April 16, 2014
Julie, Josh, Kristen and Jordan....It was my privilege to work for and with Mike for almost 28 years. He was a kind man and rarely had anything bad to say about anyone. He taught me patience and restraint in my job, which is probably why I am still at Cadillac Printing. :) He taught me most of what I know about the printing world, and I really miss his presence on the other side of our little window. I know he has gone to a better place, and, as Julie said, he's fishing the rivers of heaven! So long Mike - I will see you on the other side.
April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014
Mike will surely be missed. I was shocked when I heard the news. He was a great man and a heck of a fisherman. He was a kind and gentle man who helped and supported my father when he was battling cancer.
I am very appreciative for the friendship he and my father had and love hearing the stories of their adventures. The last time I saw him was a few years ago at my fathers wake and I see he did a great deal since then. I am glad he was able spend as much time with his loving family as he did. I know that he and my father are keeping tight lines up in Heaven! He and his family will be in my prayers.
God bless,
Trapper Hogberg
I am very appreciative for the friendship he and my father had and love hearing the stories of their adventures. The last time I saw him was a few years ago at my fathers wake and I see he did a great deal since then. I am glad he was able spend as much time with his loving family as he did. I know that he and my father are keeping tight lines up in Heaven! He and his family will be in my prayers.
God bless,
Trapper Hogberg
April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014
To Mike's family: I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was an amazing person who's smile, laugh and gentle spirit will be forever etched in my mind. The last time I saw Mike was at Hoag's wake in the summer of 2011. We had a really great visit! He was a true friend to Hoag and I just know they are spending time together fishing those beautiful waters in Heaven!
April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014
DEATH takes the body.GOD takes our soul.Our minds hold the memories.Our hearts keep the LOVE.My faith lets me know we will meet again.You are greatly missed, but you will never be forgotten.
April 13, 2014
April 13, 2014
My sympathy goes out to a very good neighbor. I will miss Mike and know that he is in a better place. Neighboring with the Townsends for over 50 years has been a pleasure. Mike will be missed as he spent time in the yard working on his boat, always a wave and a Hi to our family...to me. My sincere sympathy.
April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
From Cadillac Evening News - comments Bill and Sue Cowin
I am shocked to hear of Mike's passing. Mike and I pushed brooms at the Cadillac Printing Company on weekends during our high school years. Rest in peace old friend. Bill Cowin
sue cowin
I am shocked to hear of Mike's passing. Mike and I pushed brooms at the Cadillac Printing Company on weekends during our high school years. Rest in peace old friend. Bill Cowin
sue cowin
April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
From Cadillac Evening News comments-Vance Family
Dear Mary, Julie, Jack and Jeff, We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was one of the most honest, kind and sincere people we have ever met. The times our family shared with him will be treasured. The camping trips and fishing trips were great fun. I will never forget his dry sense of humor. His "McTowsend" will always be remembered and enjoyed at every camping trip in Mike's honor. Recipe: One fried egg, A couple pieces of fried bacon, toasted english muffin and the key ingredient is bar cheese, lots of it too! With love from, The Vance family (Dana, Jim, Rob, Brittany & Jamie
Dear Mary, Julie, Jack and Jeff, We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was one of the most honest, kind and sincere people we have ever met. The times our family shared with him will be treasured. The camping trips and fishing trips were great fun. I will never forget his dry sense of humor. His "McTowsend" will always be remembered and enjoyed at every camping trip in Mike's honor. Recipe: One fried egg, A couple pieces of fried bacon, toasted english muffin and the key ingredient is bar cheese, lots of it too! With love from, The Vance family (Dana, Jim, Rob, Brittany & Jamie
April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
Cadillac Evening News -comments from tjo
must admit that I was shocked to hear of Mike’s passing as I had no idea that he was so ill. I suppose that was the way he wanted it. “Shag” will be truly missed in this community. We were friendly competitors for over thirty years and schoolmates for many years before that. He was honest and gracious in his business dealings and genuinely liked by his customers, friends and this competitor. Bon voyage dear friend.
tjo
must admit that I was shocked to hear of Mike’s passing as I had no idea that he was so ill. I suppose that was the way he wanted it. “Shag” will be truly missed in this community. We were friendly competitors for over thirty years and schoolmates for many years before that. He was honest and gracious in his business dealings and genuinely liked by his customers, friends and this competitor. Bon voyage dear friend.
tjo
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Recent Tributes
July 10, 2022
July 10, 2022
I think of you often Mike and remember the many years that I worked with you on our printing needs at Cadillac State Bank and NBD. RIP!
April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
Your memories are indeed with us forever. It is so hard to believe 8 years have passed. You are missed everyday.
April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
The family misses you more than ever ! You are always in our thoughts and prayers
Gallery
Missing you today and every day ❤️
Last year at the Reef Club. It was a good time.
Mike Townsend Annual Youth Fishing Tournament
mikes memorial youth fishing tournament grandkids
Dads memorial stone in Jupiter
Honor Guard
Mikes Memorial on Manistee
thanks for the memories mike
Mike & Mom
Recent stories
April 17, 2014
When I think of Mike Townsend, I think of a great guy who was a gentle, kind-hearted,humble,easy going guy. I think of him as a great friend who was like a brother to me.
I've known Mike since I was a little girl. I have been best friends with Julie since kindergarten. He was around off and on as we grew up. I have early memories of visiting Mike when he lived at Country Acres trailer park, at the cabin in the woods in Manton, at the house on Lake Mitchell, and later, when he was my neighbor living just down the road.
I use to escape to his house to get away from mothering for awhile. I could always count on a cold Labatts or two or three. Mike love hearing stories about my sons and their crazy antics. I would stop by so frustrated, drink beer, and start babbling...
I can still see the twinkle in his eyes and hear his chuckle, I mean belly laugh out loud at all my crazy stories. ( of course, he never did anything crazy when he was a kid)
I think he enjoyed seeing me come,all riled up, just to get a good laugh:)
Mike was dedicated and worked hard to keep Shag's legacy at the Printing Company, alive. He took great care of his mom as she needed more help. She especially loved Mike's cooking and would say, "he got his great cooking ability from Shag"
Just last spring, Mike took us hunting for oyster mushrooms. We were happy with our plentiful find. He took our treasures home and cooked them up, along with fresh fish. It was fabulous as usual! Thanks Mike for the outdoor education and great food. I'll never see another oyster mushroom and not think of you!
You loved life, the outdoors, and people. You took the bumps and carried on gracefully. I will miss your presence, Mike, but will never forget you.
And the quote, "Gone fishin", will always put a smile on my face as I will think of you.
See ya at the fishing hole, on the other side! Love, Angie
Mike and Hoag
April 17, 2014
by Julie Fady
Pat your story of Mike and Hoag brought such a smile to my face. The mention of the trailer Mike and Hoag shared on Boon road brought a long forgotten memory back. I was a quite young back in those days and Mike must have been asked to look out for me as I stayed with them for a weekend, I was thrilled as I really looked up to these guys. They had been bird hunting and what an experience as they taught me to dress the game birds. I think they secretly found a way for me to do all the plucking of feathers! I recall another Mike and Hoag adventure that always stays with me. One Summer evening they went giggin frogs. They had the frogs in a container in the back of Mikes convertible Mustang. Some of the frogs must have only been stunned for as they drove there were frogs jumping out of the back seat of the Mustang! I am sure Mike and Hoag are having a few laughs right now recalling all the fun & adventure those two shared.
Shag and Hoag
April 15, 2014
I'd known Shag since 1972 when Hoag and I were engaged to be married. Shag was our best man when we married in 1973 but before this, both guys got out of the Navy around the same time and joined the Naval Reserve. I will never forget when they had to go to Jacksonville Florida for active duty for 2 weeks in April 1973. They were living together in a trailer out on Boon Road and they both had long hair; Hoag's was shoulder length and Mike's looked like Einstein's. Well, first off, neither was looking forward to active duty and secondly, they were really upset that they would have to get their hair cut upon arrival at the NAS. I remember them discussing for weeks how they could get around not getting hair cuts. After all, this was the early 70s and no one had short hair unless they were forced to!! So one day, they came up with a plan: they would buy wigs and wear them the entire time they were on duty! So they bought the wigs and when they got down to Florida they put them on before arriving on base. Things went along OK for about a day when they were walking down the pier with their white sailor hats sitting on top of their wigs and a big wind gust came up and blew their hats off just as the Commander was walking by. The guys couldn't feel that the hats blew off and the Commander began yelling to them to retrieve the hats. As they turned to run and get the hats, their wigs blew off, their ponytails were exposed and their cover was "blown". Needless to say, they ended up with the dreaded hair cuts but we all had a good laugh about the story which was told for years!