Michael Patrick Scott

Michael Patrick Scott, 47, went into the loving arms of Jesus Monday, March 4, 2019, after an apparent heart attack.

He was born Aug. 2, 1971, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, the son of Harry "Scotty" and Patricia (McLaughlin) Scott of Middleville He brought immeasurable joy to his five siblings who, two years before his birth, had experienced the death of another baby brother. Mike followed his older brothers around, to the point that, for a while, his word for "boy" was "ballgame." The Kid, as he was affectionately called by his brothers, also developed a bit of a competitive streak.

Mike attended Thornapple Kellogg Schools. In fourth grade, he was one of many students who played AYSO soccer the first year it was offered in Middleville. He also played basketball and baseball. In high school, he turned to his real passion, football. He later would enjoy coaching football at Grand Rapids Union High School, and eventually help coach his sons' sports teams.

He graduated from TKHS in 1989, and went on to attend Aquinas College, receiving a bachelor's degree in business and education. He didn't know it at the time, but his future wife, Laura Messing, was attending the same college. They would meet about six years later when a friend of Mike's was teaching at the White Cloud elementary school where Laura was teaching, bringing them together on a "blind date" to a football game.

Mike had decided to change his career and pursue certification in the field of forestry, living in Kansas and New York State for a short time. After his dad had a stroke and went to a nursing home, Mike moved in with his mom, who had Alzheimer's, to help take care of her. That also was about the time he met Laura, and a long-distance relationship began. Despite wanting to be with the new love of his life, he continued to help take care of the first love of his life.

Mike and Laura were married June 15, 2002, in Port Sanilac, MI. They first made their home in White Cloud, before moving to Mauston, Wisconsin. They returned to Michigan, settling in Nashville, where they restored a 100-year-old farmhouse to make a loving home for their three sons, Noah, 14; Ben, 12; and Gideon, 10. Mike became an advocate and active supporter of the community and schools, attending many local events with his family and keeping up with whatever activities the boys pursued.

Mike was very social, easily striking up conversations with old friends and new acquaintances. He also had a great memory for people and events. He put that to use, keeping track of his nieces and nephews (and other kids and adults, too) asking about their latest projects, upcoming exams, new jobs, sports seasons or other news. His concern for others extended into the community, doing what he could to help, encourage or comfort others. He also enjoyed a good laugh, perhaps even reminding others of some silly incident tucked away in his memory, one they hoped he'd forgotten.

He enjoyed sports, especially Michigan State Spartans, fishing, traveling, and being involved with his sons and their interests. He went on his first family vacation when he was 6 weeks old, a two-week northern Michigan camping trip, and over the years, as his siblings moved on, he saw much of the state and the region traveling with his parents to visit siblings. He inherited his father's rockhound interest, looking for Petoskey stones along Lake Michigan, geodes in Eastern Kentucky; and, later, Lake Superior agates in the Upper Peninsula.

In addition to Laura and the boys, he is survived by siblings Terri (Larry) Etter of Middleville, Rose (Rob) Cook of Houston, Bill (Barb) Scott of Sault Ste. Marie, Dave (Teri) Scott of Plainwell, Kathy (Tom) Maurer of Hastings; in-laws Gordon and Julie Messing (Laura's parents) of Port Sanilac, Barbara (Rick) Koenig of Jefferstown, KY, Donna Joseph of Houston, TX, Kathryn (Neil) Bitzer of Clarkston, Sarah Messing of St. Louis, MI, Randy (Jill) Messing of Port Sanilac, Gary Dobrynski of Rochester, David Messing of Hemlock; nieces and nephews Leanne (John) Padgett, Chris Etter, Tim Etter; Cody, Dillon and Cory Cook; Taylor, Brayden, Erinn and Will Scott; Kevin (Shelby), Christine, and Becky Maurer; Patrick (Nicole) Koenig, Jessica Koenig, Angela Koenig, Megan (Josh Spaulding, Derek Koenig, Peter Messing, Emily (Josh) Malone, Dana (Jesse) Aquilera, Samantha, Breana and Gabrielle Bitzer; Alexis, Marissa and Gabriel Messing; Hayden Messing; great-nieces and great-nephews Jaxson and Kalani Padgett; Adalyn Maurer; Adelaide Koenig and Juniper Spalding.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Patricia Scott, brother Steven; sister-in-law Alice Dobrynski.

Donations can be made to the American Heart Association (donatenow.heart.org) 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604-1242, or a charity of one's choice.

Visitation will be Friday, March 8, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings.  Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church located at 805 S. Jeffrson Avenue, Hastings, MI, 49058.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings.  To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .