Michael James Keshick, 26, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. “Mukwah” (Bear) was born in Petoskey, Michigan on April 27, 1993.
Michael attended Harbor Springs Public Schools and graduated in 2012. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed writing. During his Junior High School years, he wrote a short story and received recognition through the Crooked Tree Arts Council as a 2nd place winner of a writing contest. The story Michael wrote is titled, “The Way of the Ninja”. He also participated in the high school play, ‘Flowers for Algernon’ during his senior year, playing the part of the “father”. Included in the play program, are the ‘Stage Whispers’, where Michael is quoted, “I’ve always wanted to join the theater as I love all forms of art, including playing the piano. I admire Alysson White-Gl`uz who has a beautiful voice and a morally correct band. She actually participates in what she believes. My goal is to be a writer or a biologist.” He also performed in ‘Count Dracula’.
Michael was said to be a polite, gentle hearted, kind spirited person. He always looked out for those younger than him and watched over and helped children. His heart was good that way, and that’s what drew people to him. Michael worked for the Odawa Casino Resort at age 16, for one summer. He was also employed by McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and Subway of Petoskey during his short time here with us.
Michael was also a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. He participated in many cultural events, such as the Goonignebig (Snowsnake), of which he medaled in several times. He also participated in pow-wows, both as a dancer and as a spectator. Michael was also one of the very first students in the Harbor Springs Public Schools to participate in Anishinaabemowin class offered in conjunction with the tribe. At this time, the students put on a skit in the Odawa language. Michael was very proud of his culture and ancestry.
Michael is survived by his mother Theresa Keshick; brother Jordan Bussey, sister Ariya Cloud-Hall; daughter Alice Keshick (also the daughter of Megan Keller) all of Harbor Springs, Michigan; his father – James Czarski of Hilo, Hawaii; paternal grandparents Jim and Rhonda Czarski of Lupton, Michigan; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Mary Keshick.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey, Michigan. Michael will be laid to rest next to his Nokomis-ba, (grandmother, who’s no longer here) Mary Keshick. A sacred four day fire for Michael’s journey was lit on Wednesday, May 15, the day he passed, at the family residence in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Memorial donations can be made to his mother, Theresa Keshick, in his name.
21 comments on “Michael Keshick”
It is heartbreaking when you lose your son, so young!!! May God Bless and keep you in his arms.
Nothing can prepare us for such a sudden loss, especially a child. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Michael was beautiful and loving. I’m so sad about his leaving us. He is loved.
He will be forever loved. 💜
We are so sorry that he walked on so early in life. Nothing like a parent losing their child first. So traumatic! May the Gods shine down on you for strength!
Words cannot express our grief. Our hearts break for you and all that the world has lost with Michael’s passing. My family and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so very sorry earth lost a good man. I’m sorry for that pain your family feels…
Please reach out to your loved ones when you are sad, when you find you are mad at your god, or don’t know why your loved one is gone.
My darling n’gwis-ba… there simply aren’t any words to express the sadness I feel knowing that you’ll never physically walk through our doors again. My heart is shattered. I miss you more than you will ever know. I know someday we will see each other again… as you were not only our son, but a child of God. You are loved and always will be. Forever in my heart. Until we meet again… baamaapii kwaabmin. All my love… Mom
I have fond memories of Michael in my Biology class. His spirit is free. Rest In Peace.
I am at a loss for words, Michael you were such a kind soul. Condolences to his family, I am praying for you to have peace and strength at this time, you have my deepest sympathies.
I’m so sorry, Theresa this broke my heart. Such a sweet boy. Peace and hugs in this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences from our family to yours. Our prayers are with you also.
Condolences to his family from Morgan and myself.
Mike we have had some great times and a lot of great memories with you. Everyone of us has smiled because of you, either from a joke or because your smile was contagious. You will be very missed by ALL of us, but never forgotten…
Michael, my son and best friend. I loved you very much and will miss you tremendously. Gone from the Earth, but always in my heart. Michael, such a good soul. We were blessed to have you with us for 26 years. I wish it could have been for longer, but thank God for every moment we shared. Love Dad.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your precious son. May Our Lord comfort and guide your heart to find peace in your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Prayers for Micheal
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express many emotions. Have put sahma down for his journey and for you and yours.
James and Aunt Kim,
I am thinking of you and the family. I’m sorry for loss of your loved one.
The holidays won’t be the same without you…I’m not even looking forward to them now. I know you’re with GG-ba up there and that I’m not to worry. I know that you’re happy and free where you are, now. But all that knowledge doesn’t stop my heart from mourning over you. A piece of my heart went away the day you passed. I’ll love you forever. Ngashi (Mom)
I am so inexpressibly sorry to hear this, and I’m sorry that it took me so long to find out. I dated Michael for a few months when he lived in California and was going by the name Phoenix, but we lost touch when he moved back to Michigan. “Gentle hearted and kind spirited” describes him so well — he was one of the kindest, warmest people I’ve ever met in my life, and I can’t find words to do justice to how sorry I am that he’s gone. He always spoke so lovingly of all of you: Theresa, James, Jordan, Alice. I’m so sorry for your loss. The world is a darker place for his passing.
Please contact me, I’d very much like to speak with you.