Michael Edrington

An outdoorsman with an adventurous spirit, Michael Edrington was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A hard worker who savored any amount of time he spent on the water, he lived a full life surrounding himself with the ones he loved. Michael treasured many years of three wheeling, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in Michigan’s beautiful northern regions. He was a little league coach for many years and competed in many Bass fishing tournaments. Gone too soon, he leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories that will remain special to his close family and many friends for generations to come.

Reflecting back on the year 1954, the nation’s economy continued to grow. Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley were household names. Car engines continued to get bigger and more powerful and a gallon of gasoline was a lean 29 cents. During these optimistic times, Michael Lee was born the only child to his loving parents on January 26th in Battle Creek, Michigan. His arrival brought great joy and happiness to the family home. His father worked in shipping and receiving at a local packaging company and his mother worked for General Motors modeling for him the value of a hard day’s work at an early age.

Growing up in Wyoming, Michigan, Michael lived a typical childhood of the times. He attended local schools and graduated with the Class of 1972 from Rogers High School. As a family, they enjoyed many trips over the years to their cabin up north as well as their land in Arkansas. Michael fell in love with hunting and fishing, sharing these memories with his father while growing up. Always a hard worker, he worked his first jobs at the Baskin and Robbins ice cream store before landing a position with General Motors after graduation.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of a special woman who would steal his heart forever, Kathleen Cambell! They were set up on a date by her brother, Sam and the rest was history! Michael and Kathleen shared a very special kind of love. Over the course of their years together, they raised two wonderful children; Michael and Tanya. They instilled in them both the importance of family. As a family, they continued their traditions of spending time at the lake as well as many special family trips to Arizona, as well as visiting the Disney and Universal theme parks in Florida during Spring Break or winter holiday trips to visit his Mom and Dad. They also shared many treasured times tubing and skiing on Crockery and Big Pine Island Lake. He, Kathleen, and the kids also had plenty of picnics with Kathleen’s family. By the time he was thirty-nine years old, Michael had lost the function of his kidneys and was placed on dialysis. He endured two kidney transplant surgeries as well as numerous surgeries including hip replacements over the past few years. Although he struggled with many health ailments, he was a fighter through and through.

Retiring from General Motors in 2007, Michael went to work for Dunham’s Sporting Goods where he was happy to support customers in the fishing and hunting department. During these years, he looked forward to taking his son, Michael, fishing as well as sharing breakfast together on the weekends. Always on the go, Michael had many special pastimes. He was a music lover of all sorts yet favored the country music of Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Little Big Town. He was also a big fan of Hootie and the Blowfish. Live performances were a special treat and he loved to attend concerts at the Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena. As much as Michael loved music, he equally loved his food. A serious barbecue fan he loved to fix pulled pork, ribs, or brisket as well as ordering his favorite; a wet burrito from the Beltline Bar with a Coke to wash it down! He also loved his Big Red gum and licorice! He really enjoyed watching sports and was a huge Chicago Bulls fan. His son and him attended many NBA games together. Above all else, his heart was most content whenever he was with his family! There was always plenty of fun and laughter to go around! He enjoyed many visits with his brother-in-law Bob.

Strong willed and determined, Michael never complained, even when he lost his eyesight in 2015 due to macular degeneration. He kept pushing through and leaned on his faith as well as the special memories he made over the years. He never took a single day for granted. Sadly, he is gone, yet will never be forgotten. Michael’s wonderful sense of humor and his positive outlook on life will surely be missed by his loved ones. May they always remember his kindness and love and may his memories live on in their hearts forevermore.

Mr. Michael Lee Edrington, age 66, of Walker, Michigan met his Heavenly Father on May 12, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Edrington, and his father and mother in law, Sam and Elma Cambell. Michael is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Kathleen Edrington; son, Michael Edrington; daughter, Tanya (Kerry Prior) Jansen; grandchildren, Cambria Jansen, Benjamin Jansen, and Brody Edrington; mother, Margaret Edrington; sisters-in-law, Charmaine (Bob) Konyndyk and Melissa (Paul) Vickers; and brother-in-law, Samuel Cambell. Due to the COVID pandemic, a private family graveside will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Kidney Foundation. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook.