A. Michael Wich lived a life worth living. He was an important person in the lives of so many people during his 81 years. On May 1, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the first-born son to Arthur and Phyllis Wich. He was the oldest brother to Jerry, Tom, Mary, Judi, Hank, Peggy, Bill, Angela and Larry. He was the beloved husband to Marlene (Grace) Wich for 59 years. He was the loved and respected father to Mike, C. Ann, John, Janet, and Jenny. He was known as Opa or Grandpa to his eleven grandchildren: Julian, Cecilia, Michael, Alex, John Paul, Harry, Kelsey, Charlee, Max, Zane, and Skyler. He was also a true and trusted friend for over half a century to his high school classmates, and to neighbors and fellow adventurers.
He was a person who took his chosen responsibilities in life seriously, and he expected himself to live up to his own high standards. He took pride in being a hard worker and never shied away from rolling up his sleeves. It was very rare for him to miss a day of work or to even show up late. He was known for his organizational skills. If a document was needed from him, it was sure to be found in one of his many files. Marlene could always count on him to fix a broken appliance or to maintain her car. Even in retirement, he made sure his widowed neighbors winterized their homes or had their lights turned on at night.
Yet, the man knew how to have fun. He knew what he liked, and he went after his values with gusto. During the 70’s when visiting his father’s house in Saugatuck, he loved playing the card game Solo with his dad, stepmom Vi, and whatever brothers and sisters who were visiting that weekend. A bottle of Stroh’s beer was usually close at hand. In 1980 he got his first motor home—the Holiday Rambler. That was the start of a love affair with homes on wheels. His last vehicle was a forty-foot bus. He just loved to get behind that big steering wheel and heading out on the open road. He was also a voracious reader. He would go to garage sales and buy books by the dozens, always talking the owner down in price, of course. He doted on his two cats, Buddy and Pretty Girl, but one must admit, his choice of names was a bit questionable. Let’s not forget the name of the dog he had while living on the farm in Hamilton, Hey Boy.
Mike’s personality was multi-faceted. He had a reputation for being very competitive and wouldn’t shy away from a good discussion (read: argument). He had the Wich family ability to belabor a point and maybe do a little finger-pointing along the way, but he was never one to hold a grudge. He was always willing to challenge conventional thinking if the facts led him to a different conclusion. This admirable quality of thinking for himself and acting on his own convictions made him a trusted confidant and source for advice. One always knew he would tell it like he saw it.
Mike was also known for his generous and benevolent spirit. He was the type of man who would stop to help a stranded woman start her car or to assist a friend or family member in need. He was a steady force in the lives of so many people. One could always count on him. He had a quiet confidence about him that was consistent throughout his entire life.
Mike Wich was a man with a keen mind and a big heart, yet sadly, it was his heart that couldn’t keep up with him. We had to say good-bye to him on September 8, 2020. He was a man who could justly feel pride in a life well led. His loss will be felt by all who knew and loved him.
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