Michael’s Eulogy/Obituary

Thank you all for joining us today to pay tribute to Michael. Your support is truly appreciated. As Michael’s Worship Pastor, life-group leader, and friend it is an honor to deliver his eulogy today.

It is never easy to say good-bye, but it is important. We are here because Michael meant so much to us. It’s hard to put into words how much Mike will be missed and what a positive impact he had on each of us.

Michael A. Barnes was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 16th, 1964. As a young boy and young man, he was known for being a quiet, but well mannered young man; faithful and supportive to his mother Joyce and siblings after the passing of his father, Roger. He spent his time in the boy scouts of America, working hard in the orchards during the summer, and working on cars, trucks, four wheelers, anything that went fast and had wheels.

Michael grew up having a close relationship with Fritz Garvin, Paul Hospenthal, and Frank Donnelly, and is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Tammy; his cherished daughters and their spouses - Kristine & Christopher; Kayla & Matthew; his dear brother, Dan; his dear sister Cheryl; and his wonderful grandchildren - Elliot, Owen, Ivy, Corey, and soon to be baby, Chloe.

I know each of you are very saddened by Michael’s passing. And today, as we grieve together, I want to highlight what made him so special. If I had to use three ways to describe Mike, I would say: He loved God and put Him and family first, he was strong and a steadfast foundation to all he loved, and he was extremely wise and insightful. I am sure each of you could add a lot more, as I know you experienced Michael’s love in a special way.

As you may know, Mike loved others deeply and enjoyed each moment he got to spend with his wife, his family, and his close friends. He was also passionate about cars, trucks, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, family vacations, family time, trips with his friends to Canada, and especially his faith in Jesus Christ.

In the professional realm, Michael was known for his graduation with honors from Ferris with a masters in business, and the incredible impact he made while working for 36 at Chrysler.

Michael was special. He mattered. He was here and made a powerful impact on many of our lives. I admire the way he lived and loved. I especially admired his hunger to learn and grow in his faith and in his relationship with Jesus Christ. We will miss Michael so much. I will close with a quote that has brought me comfort. I hope it does the same for you.

“All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” - Helen Keller

Thank you all once again for honoring Michael’s life with your presence today. May we all continue to love deeply and may each gift of love from Michael remain a part of us.

At this time I’d like to invite Kayla, Kristine, and Cheryl to share.