I swam with Mike at Brennan Pools in 1969 and 1970. I was not much of a swimmer and spent most of my time running to the shower to keep from freezing. There were to two-a-days and my goal was to be caught talking so he would sentence me to swimming a mile. I could swim slower than anyone and could stretch that mile for a couple of hours. But Mike tolerated me and I know I am a stronger person because of his efforts. As John Anderson's daughter I watched my dad stand with Mike as he became a teacher, husband, and father. Mike and Maureen became part of our family. There was the time working at the HUDette, burgers a Sinbad's, St. Patrick's day with the Big Mammu, and Christmas eggnog. It was a great comfort to know that my dad spent one of his last days celebrating with Mike (don't ask me what they were celebrating, it could have been anything). So if I wasn't much of a swimmer, I hope I was a better friend. One more thing. I don't think anyone will ever know how many lives Mike touched as a teacher at Foch Middle School on Detroit's east side. He the only male in the life of many of those students. What Mike did at Foch mattered. My heart goes out the Maureen, Mikey, and all the O'Connor girls. Mike was a man to be admired, respected, and loved. And he will be missed.

Maureen, Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead and hope that it helps to know how much Michael meant to so many. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Susan Huhn

I have just learned of Mike's passing. I want to pass on my condolences to his family. He was a good man and I know he will be missed by a lot of people that he coached and who knew him. I am so sorry for your loss....

Mike was a rival and a friend, his contributions to the kids he coached and the swimming world will be sorely missed. Everyone has a story, me as well, cherished memories.....we will all miss him.

I am one of many lifeguards that worked with Mike at Brennan Pools in the mid 1960's. We are all honored to have shared the summers with Mike because of his bright smile and friendly outlook on life. I am sure that there is a 50 meter pool in heaven and Mike will be using it often. Hopefully the water is properly heated. I am hoping in the future to see Mike there welcoming everyone with that great smile.

So many memories of swimming with Mike. He taught us dedication and how to work hard to achieve our goals. I goofed off a bit sneaking out of practice for a hot shower. Later I realized I shouldn't have done that. Great to have Mike coaching my daughters team PA while we were in Michigan. He did what he loved till the end! Prayers for his family and loved ones. To an amazing man. A part of him lives on in all of his swimmers.

Though wehave not seen you often since the seats were scrambled, we remember you all warmly and share your sorrow. Go Blue.

I just recently heard of Mike's passing. From all the Clarks, Carrs and Dohertys, you have our most sincere condolences, Maureen and the entire O'Connor family. What a tremendous legacy he left behind, the invaluable difference he made in young people's lives.

Mike, I heard about your passing last week, and it is tough news for anyone who had the opportunity to swim for you over the years. You pushed me to be an athlete well beyond what i thought possible and challenged me to be my best everyday, and for that I can't thank you enough. The preparation, work ethic, and competitive spirit I bring to my life today was harnessed during my swimming career. Sad that there's only one coach left who can do a full throated "ready..hup" (looking at Fred) but I know your legacy will be alive every time a kid completes 100x100s, or a 3k butterfly set, 5:30am practices in the dead of winter, and of course, goals sets on friday, and lactates on saturday. Much love and condolences to your family Danny P.s. I did 5x100s yesterday...only made 1:20s, but don't worry, I'll be be working that back down :)

Moe - I am so sorry for you, Mikey and Mike's family. Mike was such a large personality and and I know he will be missed by many. Please know you are loved and I will keep you all in my prayers. Robin

Moe, we are here for you. Our deepest sympathy to you and Mikey. ACADEMY 21 TEAM

I can't even imagine that this day would or could ever happen. Mike, you were the strongest person I've ever met. If I could live this life with even the smallest percentage of your integrity, it would be an honor. The countless yards, 5am wake up calls, tears, smiles, and laughs all have shaped me into who I am today. Not only were you the most amazing Coach, but an amazing friend. Love you so much Mike, rest in peace. GO BLUE!

A Coach is someone who pushes you beyond your limits and expectations that you set for even yourself. A Coach knows when to lift you up and when to give you the nudge you need to become a better athlete. A Coach brings a bunch of crazy kids together to form a team that wants to work together for a common goal, and in the end- we all realize it's not all about winning, it's so much more. Coach Mike, you were more than a coach to the Lady Norsemen, you were a leader, a motivator, a mentor, and a friend. Heaven gains an angel, I hope you get wings that let you swim too.

Mo, it has been our privilege and pleasure to have known Mike. He helped all three of our children for many years as a coach and mentor. He will be missed by many in the community as well as you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing him with us as I know it had to be a sacrifice! Will never forget him.

I first meet Mike as a club coach. He always attacked life and swimming with all he had. Mike will be missed. Wish i could say more!

Mo, I am so very sorry to hear of the news that Mike passed away. My heart goes out to you and the family. Thinking of you guys today. I wish I could be there but sending my love.

Maureen, Mikey, The entire Gatliff clan sends our condolences and our deepest sympathy on your loss. He was a great man.

I am saddened at the loss of Mike at such a young age. His contribution to generations of area swimmers is amazing. I am very appreciative for his sharing his knowledge and skill to many, many young people, including my daughter, Liisa. My sincere condolences to you Maureen, Mike Jr. and your family.

My deepest condolences and prayers got to the O'Conner Family. Gonna miss you Mikey.

My condolences and best wishes to all family.

The Macmillan Family( Marvin,Elsie, Cyndi,Sue,Lisa,Nancy,Crissy), remember you as a dedicated swim coach and mentor. Your knowledge and leadership has impacted us throughout our life's. You will be missed but never forgotten, we know your presence will be felt by all who knew you standing at the side of a pool cheering us on and coaching! Thank-You! Sorry for everyone's loss!

Our deepest sympathies go out to the O'Connor family. Mike will be sorely missed in the Michigan swimming community. He was a legend. We all were honored to know his great character and passion for the sport of swimming. We hope you find peace in knowing he made a huge impact in the lives of so many swimmers and coaches.

Mike, Thank you for playing an important role in my children's lives. The time you spent on deck with them continually trying to push them to the next level is very much appreciated. Drew has grown tremendously over the last year as a swimmer and a young man. You have forever touched his life. We all will miss you. I'm certain you will be somewhere above still coaching in one way or another for my kids. Forever grateful, The Gallant Family

So sorry to hear about Mike. What a great coach he was to many. Our prayers are with Maureen and family. What a great loss. The Linne Family

Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Connor Family. Mike will be missed, not only as a coach and strong supporter of MHSAA Swimming, but as a person. The measure of a person is what they leave behind. Mike's contribution to swimming and life, will be difficult to match. We will miss him.

Mike thanks for all the memories with my children, Cheryl , Christine, Michael , Melissa ; and recently grandchildren Clare, Ella and OLivia. You have been an amazing coach to all of them and set high goals to encourage each swimmer to be the best they could with intense workouts includings triples for some in the day. Your training not only built strong athletes to reach goals that they often needed that extra drive or believe in yourself to achieve as you set higher and higher standards as each one grew to be the best they could be! You taught them life long character building skills they use as they grew up and became young men and women. You will be missed and your legacy will always be in our hearts! Mike may you rest in peace until we meet again! May God bring comfort to Maureen , Mikey, all your family and friends that will miss you too!

Thinking of your family at this very difficult time. Keep your memories close to your hearts. Love xx

Mike concluded his outstanding career as a U of M Swimmer and graduated in the Spring of 1969. I started the following September. So, regrettably, Mike and I were never teammates. However, the moment I met him at a football game that fall he made me feel as though we were. What an energetic, friendly and motivational person! Mike beamed with the same dedication, discipline and desire for excellence that Gus and Kimball did. - I liked him immediately!!! Many years later when we were both coaching, Mike and I were talking about how to build great student-athletes. He gave me that laser beam look, square in the eye, serious, but with his big, confident smile, all at the same time. - And said..."Swimming for Michigan made you believe you were a 'tough guy,' didn't it. Well, that's what we have to do for our swimmers." I was very lucky to know Mike O'Connor! He was kind, warm-hearted and strong all at the same time. I'm really going to miss that "tough guy."

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Sterling Heights Stallions Boys and Girls Swim Teams share their heart-felt condolences with Mike's family. Mike always showed the highest level of passion, integrity and fair-play when it came to swimming, and he will be greatly missed.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Maureen and Mikey. I have so many fond memories of Mike over the years...he will be missed. Until we meet again Mike, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Mike and I met in 1964, when he was swimming for our archrival, Austin. We did not swim the same races, so we did not know each other well, but that changed when I arrived in Ann Arbor as a freshman, and Mike was a sophomore. Freshmen were not eligible for varsity competition then, and Mike had used his freshman year to improve tremendously. Our coach, Gus Stager, was a tough guy, and he loved Mike. Mike was a hard-nosed competitor, and that was not just in our meets. If he thought someone was dogging it in practice, he let them know. Mike had chosen our captain, Carl Robie, as his role model. Anyone who ever knew Carl (a future Olympic champion) knew that no swimmer worked harder in the water, so Mike could not have made a better choice. I am guessing Mike's competitiveness, his ferocity, showed up on deck in his coaching, and I hope his swimmers realized how lucky they were to swim for Mike. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maureen, Mikey and the entire O'Connor clan.

Mike was my swim coach for 6 years. He was tough, unrelenting, and didn't put up with excuses...in other words he was a great coach and made me an incredible swimmer. He helped so many young swimmers push themselves beyond their limits and make personal bests. Swimming can teach discipline, hard work and determination but a great coach is critical to make that happen. He will be greatly missed.

Maureen, Jon and I have you and Mike in our prayers at this most difficult time. Wish we could be there with you but please know we are thinking of you.

Thank you Mike for all those early mornings and having a lane available for me. You were a great coach who had a positive impact on so many young swimmers.

So sorry to hear of the family's loss. Mike was so loved by us all and although we haven't seen him as much lately, we have great memories of being with him and Maureen. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Micki Stott

Bill and I are so sorry to of your family's loss. May God wrap his arms around all of you to help you heal through this difficult time. May God bless you all.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mike was my coach for many years through Pointe Aquatics and GPN. He always pushed me and my teammates to do our best and coached with compassion and a sense of humor. He will be missed by many.

Memories of great times and many laughs bless us. Prayers for Mike his family and all those who will miss his passing.

A part of my heart and past is gone. Mike was a mentor for me when a young, nave 17 year old came to the University of Michigan from Indiana. I needed guidance, I needed leadership; and Mike stepped up to give me what I needed. He gave me advise; some good and some that....well, was questionable, but always with my best interest at heart. I will always be grateful for Mike. I know Mike would not want anyone to be sad for his passing. He was a "free spirit" and always had a different outlook on life. Mike, I will miss you; I will always remember you and I will always remember "The Pit"!

On behalf of MISCA I'd like to share how grateful we are for all Mike did for the swimming community. He will be saddly missed, but not forgotten.

Mike was one of the good guys, loved by all. I remember training with him at Brennan Pools during the summer of 1967. All the best to his family.

Mike was always a good friend to all of us in swimming. My thoughts go to your family- he will be missed!

Thanks Mike for making me a better person and not just because of the sets I did. ( 200 fly's). I will never forget the training year of 1971 and our frequent chats on the pool deck. You have a heart of Gold and the swimming community will miss you! Paul Karas (Pk)

The sport of swimming lost a legend in Mike. As a new coach, Mike was always there to offer advice and support. I can only hope to aspire to coach the rest of my career with that passion that Mike did every day. I send my heartfelt condolences to all of Mike's family and friends.

I will sincerely miss Mike's presence in the neighborhood.

Dear O'Connor family: You know that Mike was beloved by the swimming community. Last time I saw him, we chatted about my old coach's (John Hussey) stroke drills. God will hold him in the palm of his hand, as he holds you and all who mourn him, swimmers and coaches and friends. Will have to miss his Mass, but said my Hail Marys for him...and you, last night when I heard. Love ya', Mike. JP

Mike's illness was a shock to us all from the beginning. We are now forced to remember Mike rather than enjoy his friendship. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for this loss. Mike's legacy of competitiveness, excellence and commitment will live on.

Mike has been a huge part of Michigan swimming. It has always been a pleasure to share in his insights and learn from his experiences. We were lucky to have him for as long as we did. Now it's his time to rest with the Lord.

May your soul and all of the souls of our faithful departed,rest in the arms of the Lord. We will watch over your devoted wife Maureen. We will protect and love her until she meets you again. Your son, Mikey will feel your strength and goodness as his life goes forward. Rest in Peace.

You were my coach and mentor. I am the coach I am today because of how you trained me. You will be missed.

Maureen, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. Honestly, I cannot remember a time when I did not know him. He was a great coach and person. I loved him, and respected him ALWAYS. The Kimball Family will keep him and his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers. The world is a better place for having Mike in it.

There are certain people who come into your life and leave an indelible mark, and Mike was one such person. Anyone who was touched by Mike, whether it was his sense of humor, work ethic, integrity, loyalty, or generosity, knows what I mean. He was a rare breed, a straight shooter. You always knew just where you stood with Mike O'Connor. He taught his swimmers mental and physical toughness, without making demands. They came to him. It's as if he simply invited his swimmers to be excellent. If they accepted, he kept his end of the bargain and in the end, they were excellent. And year after year, the graduates kept coming back. The thing I loved best about Mike was that he had certain soft spots. He was tough on the outside, but once you found that soft spot, you couldn't help but love the guy. When I would return to swim at North after a lazy hiatus, I would greet Mike and say, "I know you've really missed me." He would chuckle and say something like, "Oh, yeah, it's been terrible without you." It is now I who will miss you, dear friend. To Maureen and Mikey, his sisters and you who knew him much longer than I, Mike was one of the good guys and I feel privileged to have known him. He was larger than life, a legend in his own time and he will not be forgotten. Godspeed.

Praying the God will bless Mike & his family with continued guidance and comfort. All our love cousin for you & family.

OBITUARY

Michael J. O'Connor

September 2, 1947 – May 29, 2015

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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