Mike was an accomplished man of many talents who had an incredible zest for life amidst the significant health challenges he faced.
After winning a very difficult battle against non-hodgkins lymphoma in the mid 1990's, Mike devoted his life to serving his vast network of friends, colleagues, and most importantly, his family.
In February of this year, Mike began a new battle with lung cancer and fought it valiantly.
Mike was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Soon after graduation, Mike earned his CPA license as he began his journey into the world of business and consulting.
Mike was always the light in the room, the life of the party, and the center of attention because of his dynamic personality, the stories he shared, and his terrific sense of humor.
As a coach might instruct his team to leave everything on the field of battle, Mike did that with everything he accomplished in life. All who knew Mike, knew he was a fierce competitor. Whether it was a jog around the block, a game of pool, sky-diving, or battling cancer, Mike would always bring his "A" game to any event.
Mike started running half marathons in 2002 and took great pride in his ability to finish with respectable times. Most recently, Mike ran in the 2012 St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon, with a finish time of 2:39:16.
Although his life ended too soon, and we find it hard to understand why, Michael lived a very full, active, and good life. He worked very hard and valued the life he lived.
Mike held many titles and designations which served as a good representation of the full life he lived, and a model for us to follow.
Some of the titles, designations, and nick names Mike earned include Dad, Grand Father, Son, Brother, Uncle Mike, Mike the Irishman, Captain Mike, and Uncle Patron.
In 2007, Mike received the designation of U.S. Merchant Marine Officer from the United States Coast Guard as he was the Captain of his ship, the Drake Kendall.
In his professional life, Mike committed himself to perfection in an effort to serve his clients and colleagues. Mike earned the designation of Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the firm and its image around the world. Mike worked very hard to establish and maintain his relationships that has resulted in a legacy he would be very proud of.
Mike was elected to serve on the National Board of Representatives of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) representing the Tennessee chapter.
Mike served on the LLS Tennessee chapter board of directors since 2006, and was the first runner-up in the 2007 National Man of the Year campaign.
His family would like to thank all the medical professionals in the Dallas, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee facilities for the care, support and guidance they provided during Mike's illnesses.
Mike is survived by his son, Michael Joseph "MJ" (Jennifer) Mitchell, Lawrence, Kansas; mother Dianne Hunter of Livermore, Colorado. Larry Vandiver of the home; brothers Victor (Sara) Mitchell, Ottawa, Kansas; David (Joann) Fabac, Shawnee, Kansas; Mark (Shelly) Fabac, Shawnee, Kansas; Joseph (Anna) Fabac, Kansas City, Missouri; Grandson Remmington; several nieces, nephews, great niece and great nephew; cousins and extended family members.
Mike was preceeded in death by his sister Candace Mitchell, fathers Henry Fabac and Bert Mitchell, sister Sherry Gray.
Mike requested visitation only which will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 from 5-8 pm at the Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at his residence at the conclusion of the visitation.
Mike specifically requested no flowers, and that contributions be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), or any cancer charity of your choice. Internment will be at Harpeth Hills Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com
Visitation Details
Wednesday, September 4th, 2013 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home
Interment Details
Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens