Michael G. Fitt

He was born on May 16th, 1931 in the coastal town of Whitstable in Kent, England 60 miles southeast of London. Born to Walter H. and Dorothy A. Fitt, Michael helped his mother operate the hotel while his father was in the Royal Air Force fighting in World War II and joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 16 heading off to sea traveling the world delivering essential supplies on tanker ships. Michael graduated from King Edward VII Nautical College, London Outward Bound Sea School in 1952. In 1953 Michael immigrated to Canada where he met his wife Doreen E. Fitt and fathered his three children Anne E. Hayter, Colin M-D Fitt and Ian D.G. Fitt.

Michael worked his entire career in the insurance industry starting in 1953 in the mapping room of the Canadian Underwriters Association in Toronto Canada. He joined Employer Reinsurance Corporation in 1969 opening the first Canadian branch then moving to Kansas City in 1976 to ascend to Chairman and CEO and retiring in 1992. Michael was heavily involved in the community serving on numerous civic boards including the President of Heart of America Council of Boy Scouts of America, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Chairman of the Midwest Research Institute and Board of Directors of Children’s Mercy Hospital. He also served on numerous corporate boards including Bank of America, Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc. DST Systems, Inc. and NAC Reinsurance Corporation.

Michael loved to travel, swim and take his twice daily walks. He opened and closed the swimming pool season every year until this spring at Kirkwood Circle. He took immense pride in being the first one in and the last one out of the pool even at the age of 94.

He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Dorothy Fitt, his brother Colin Fitt and his wife Doreen Fitt.

Michael is survived by his children Anne E. Hayter, Colin M-D Fitt and Ian D.G. Fitt. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren Elizabeth and Justin Sykes, Michael Fitt II, Catherine Smith, Colin M.L. and Hailey Fitt and his great grandchildren Annie and Gracie Koehler, Arthur Smith and Ian and Isla Sykes. Michael is also survived by his long-time dear companion Julie Thompson whom he shared many amazing memories with, in his later years of life.

The family would like to thank the staff at Village Shalom for their care and compassion that they showed our father in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am. (The service will be livestreamed & recorded and may be viewed by clicking the link below under 'Services')

Private Family Committal immediately following the service at Mt. Moriah.