Michael L. Ferrence, age 70, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Friday January 24, 2020. He was born June 22, 1949 at Detroit Memorial Hospital in Detroit, Michigan to his parents Elizabeth Rose "Betty" Ferrence (nee Sind) and George "Butch" Ferrence.
Michael was raised in Detroit, Michigan until age 13 and then the family moved to Warren, Michigan. He was very active and involved in his youth. Michael took part in Little League baseball on a team called the Indians. He was a Cub Scout and his parents hosted many den meetings in their basement. In his spare time he liked collecting baseball cards, making model cars, running his electric train and reading comic books. Michael's memorable achievements during his these early school years included being a Safety crossing guard and middle school honor student.
Education was extremely important to Michael. He graduated from Paul K. Cousino high school in 1967 with a very accomplished high school career. His favorite courses were in Politics, Math and Science. He was a member of the Cousino Community Civic Activities club, Young Republicans club, Science club, and Drama club while also being a member of the Honor Society, Student Council and the baseball and football teams. He took great pride in meeting political candidate Governor George Romney, attending the annual Governor’s Conference on Student Leadership at Oakland University and a class trip to Washington, D.C. – all which were featured in a local newspaper. On top of all these activities, Mike played the drums in a small rock band with friends. Michael continued his education after high school; earning his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (cum laude) in 1972 from the University of Detroit. He then pursued graduate school, earning his Master of Engineering (cum laude) in 1973 from the University of Detroit. His favorite professor was Dean Lawrence Canjar whose son Michael was a fellow engineering student and good friend of Mike's. Michael's other interests included being a student member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Blue Key National Honor Fraternity as well as the Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society (1972).
Michael's dedication to personal and professional development served him well in his career. He was employed for 30 years by the Ford Motor Company holding various positions: Chief Product Analyst, Project Manager of the Mustang Program, LTD Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis Planning Specialist, and Chief Program Manager of the Mercury Villager Program. Michael retired from Ford Motor in 2003.
Michael was a social and approachable individual devoted to his Christian roots; he had a heart of gold, and had a gregarious personality. He was raised Catholic and served as an altar boy for St. Malachy parish in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Later in life, Michael, converted to the Lutheran faith. He was caring and giving man, supporting his community, volunteering with the Toys for Tots and Paralyzed Veterans of America Associations.
Michael approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. He enjoyed reading books on finance, stocks, and politics. He loved vacationing in Las Vegas and Hawaii as well as traveling to California, England and Japan while employed with Ford Motor. After retirement in 2003, he became an avid lover of vintage comedy shows and studying the art of playing casino games so much that he decided to move from his home in Livonia, Michigan to Henderson, Nevada. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams: the Detroit Lions football, Detroit Pistons basketball and Detroit Tigers baseball.
All who knew him would agree that Michael was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Michael did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was gifted by his kind generosity and given the chance to become a better person.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, George "Butch" Ferrence; and mother, Elizabeth Rose "Betty" Ferrence (nee Sind). He is survived by his sister, Nancy Ferrence Ramirez (David); nephew, Michael Ramirez; aunt, Barbara Sind; and cousins: James Miloser, Jr. (Christine), Linda McComas, Margaret Sind Raben, Joseph P. Sind Jr. (Pat), Jeanne Christie (Donald), Martin Sind, Catherine Sind Boles, Antoinette Sind Sembrano, Catherine Sind Wooldridge, John Ferrence (Dorothy), Maryann Ferrence Algeri (Art), Joy Lynn Ferrence Davies, Gregory Ferrence, Gloria Donahue Zemla (Greg), Richard Donahue (Nancy), Diane Donahue, and Cathy Donahue Fill (David).
A visitation for Michael will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM, both at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada 89015. Michael will be laid to rest at Palm Henderson Cemetery, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada 89015.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael's memory may be made to the Toys for Tots and Paralyzed Veterans of America Associations.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Ferrence family.
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