Michael F. Harrington

Michael Francis Harrington II, 81, of Gaylord, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025. He was born on December 2, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital. He was the son of Richard Melvin and Gertrude Mae (Coste) Harrington.

Mike spent his early childhood on Middle Straits Lake in Redford, MI, and later in Walled Lake, graduating from Walled Lake High School in 1962. He furthered his education at Northern Michigan University and graduated from Western Michigan University with his bachelor's degree. Later he obtained his master’s degree from Penn State University.

Mike enjoyed a lengthy career in education as a school administrator in Reading, MI, Livonia, NY, and Baldwin, MI. He met Ann, his second wife and the love of his life, during his time in Livonia. They later moved to Lewiston, MI, where Mike served as Principal at Johannesburg-Lewiston Schools, eventually transitioning to the role of guidance counselor.

Mike had a deep love for boating and the water. He discovered and fell in love with Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron’s Straits of Mackinac, where he and Ann purchased property and built a home in 1992. Mike’s love for education and the water culminated in obtaining his 100 Ton Captains License. Mike and Ann enjoyed island life on a full-time basis for many years before later moving to Gaylord, while still maintaining a part-time residence on the island.

In addition to his love of boating and the water, Mike enjoyed theater, show tunes, literature, boat building, and nature walks. He was an avid runner and, as a young man, participated in races, including marathons. He also enjoyed home improvement projects, rhetoric, and public speaking. Mike dedicated time to volunteering as a firefighter, first responder, and hospice worker. He was also involved in mediation and served as a Captain for the Boy Scouts’ sailboat, The Appledore.

Above all, Mike cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann; and his children, Eric (Adele) Harrington of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jennifer (Perry) Kirker of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Michael F. Harrington III of Cheboygan; his grandchildren, Conover Harrington, Thomas Adele Harrington, Aaron Harrington, Mikayla Rector, and Chelsea Kirker; along with his great-granddaughter, Aurora Jones, brought him so much joy. He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Alex Lawrence of Kingsville, TX, and Elizabeth Ford (Bryan McLaughlin) of Plymouth, MI; as well as his step-grandchildren, John-Ryan Lawrence, Joseph Ford, Michael, and Ila McLaughlin.

He is also survived by his older brother, Robert (Cindy) Harrington and his twin brother, Patrick (Barbara) Harrington; sister-in-law, Davie Sue Harrington; and many nieces, nephews, former students, and close friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his first wife (and mother to his three children) Karen Phillips Harrington and his siblings, David (Davie Sue) Harrington, Richard and Joan Harrington, and Linda and Frank Brodstrom, as well as several close friends and many beloved pets, especially Tillie.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, where the family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place this summer at Woodland Glade Cemetery on Bois Blanc Island.

In honor of Mike’s memory, the family kindly asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

We invite you to share your memories and personal messages with the family in the guestbook below.