John Patrick Morrissey

John Patrick Morrissey, age 58 years, 1 month and 4 days, passed away on October 3rd, 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born August 29th, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up and attended school in Midland, Michigan, graduating from Northwood University in 1975. John lived in both California and Portland, Oregon for many years, and in 2003 he relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

John was preceded in death by his father, William Edward Morrissey in 2001 and is survived and will be dearly missed by his mother, Mae Morrissey. His daughter Camilla (Mikel) Miller and grandson Zayne, of California, were a constant source of pride, and John’s final sorrow was that he spent too many years away from them. He will be forever missed by his brothers and sisters, Thomas (Caron) Morrissey, Mary Morrissey, Helen (Thao) Vuong, Joanne Morrissey (Bruce Brown), Susan (Jay) Sandweiss, William Morrissey (Carole McCabe), Patrick (Linda) Morrissey, and Donna (Andy) Phillips, and his special friend Cynthia Conklin who was a source of great strength for John in his last months of life. John is also survived by his uncles -James Reynolds, Benjamin Peters, Donald (Patricia) Flynn, and Basil (Nancy) Fritsch and aunt, Helen Morrissey, as well as numerous cousins.

John was known in recent years by his long ponytail, deep appreciation for Canada, and his love of Copper River salmon, Frita Batidos, and Costco. He was the ultimate jokester, had a head for many useful and arcane facts, and was a true fan of the musician Neil Young. John was a patient and often opinionated man who loved problem solving. His vision, genius, and perfectionism made him a master craftsman. He considered and enjoyed every detail while performing construction and restoration work.

John was an entirely genuine, delightfully unusual, and remarkably insightful man. He was completely involved with life in every aspect and was constantly finding opportunities for participation that the average person would not perceive. John had a natural power to move an experience to a higher, more meaningful level when something struck a chord within him. His infectious personality, keen wit, and open philosophy towards the world made him incomparable to anyone else. When he walked into a room the atmosphere instantly became lighter, cozier, and much more exciting. John created connections everywhere he went. Whether he was talking to a dear friend, his waitress at a restaurant, or the checkout man at Costco, he was sure to say something eye opening, witty, and memorable. In this way, John left a profound impact on everyone he met.

One of John’s greatest joys was spending time with his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed sharing with them, and many of their friends as well, the things that he appreciated and brought him happiness. He took the time to discover what was important to each of them, honestly believed in them, and acted as an example of authentic living. John’s irreplaceable presence in their lives will forever be seen in the flavor he added to many of their personalities. He leaves behind Heather (Dan) Beckett, Aaron Morrissey, Julia Morrissey (Andy Dempz,) James Morrissey, Mary Morrissey, Sarah Vuong (fiancé Rob Koehler), Kevin Vuong (fiancé Jordan Higgins), Erik Worth (girlfriend Ica Coyne), Leena Brown (boyfriend Jeff Hoyer,) Elijah Sandweiss (girlfriend Heather Robinson), Isabel Sandweiss, Dylan McCabe, Jack Morrissey, Sydney Morrissey, Grace Phillips and Adam Phillips, as well as his grand niece and nephews, Henry Beckett, Rose Beckett, Forrest Beckett, River Faulkner and Marshall Dempz.

John earned the love and respect of many friends through his caring, hard-working, and dependable ways. He and his family deeply appreciated the support of many of these friends, especially during the last several months. Particularly dear to him were Karen and Paul Izenberg and family, Rosella Bannister and family, Paul Belitz, Aaron Danville, Elena Williams-Moreiras and Heather Suffron. He felt loved and supported by all of the Share the Care group members who stood by to help him. He also deeply valued the medical care he received from his nieces Julia Morrissey R.N. and Heather Beckett R.N., and from Dr. Jane Klaes, his brother-in-law Dr. Jay Sandweiss, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Dr. Philip Stella, and many others at St. Joseph Mercy Health System.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, in Ann Arbor, Michigan on October 28, 2012, from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm. Beverages and Midnight Milky Way Bars will be served. For those wishing to remember John, contributions may be made in his name to the Zayne Miller Educational Fund, The David Suzuki Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Please see www.mueligannarbor.com for further details.

Donation Information

John Patrick Morrissey

The Zayne Miller Educational Fund

c/o Susan Sandweiss

417 S. Fourth Ave

Ann Arbor MI 48104

(734)665-6421

The David Suzuki Foundation

www.davidsuzuki.org

2211 West 4th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6K 4S2, Canada

(604) 732-4228