His was a story about a man, a motorcycle, a dog, and a kingdom created from old tires, refrigerators, rusty scrap metal and love. As a father, he taught his two children (three if you count the dog) to see the beauty in all things. With his bare hands he built a house for his family, brought cars back from the dead and cooked one heck of a flying saucer sandwich.
As a friend he would give you the shirt off his back, had he been wearing one. Whether waterskiing or fishing at the lake, hunting to put food on the table, or chopping down trees to feed the furnace in the winter, Mike was a true outdoorsman…with his dog by his side wherever he went.
Above all Mike loved riding his Harley with his wife’s arms around his waist, the wind in his hair and sunglasses on…adventure awaited around every corner.
Born in 1955, in Flint, Michigan, Mike moved to Chelsea when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Chelsea High in 1973. He went on to become Parts Mike for many Chevrolet dealers in Chelsea. He then built his own successful company, Bulldog Cleaning, providing services to many core Chelsea businesses. Some of his proudest moments were driving in the fair derby, winning several trophies in his younger years, and coming back at 50 to win his heat and place in the feature.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alex; mother, Shirley; brother, Terry (AKA Goat); and Riggor the dog. He is loved and remembered by his wife of 49 years, Loretta; his son, Alex; daughter, Laura; Shelly (loved as a daughter); sisters, Lynne [Art(deceased)] and Karin; brothers, Al (Kim) and Ken; and nephews, niece and grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to Chelsea’s Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Celebration of Life will be held August 23, at Zal Gaz Grotto, from 12:00pm-3:00 pm.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
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challenging time. We are here if you need something.
Blessings to you all.
My sympathies to you all during this difficult time. May your memories of the good times bring your heart smiles through your tears.
Beth Ann (Leeman) Anderson