Michael Thomas Dayton

12/30/1958

04/08/2023

We are sad to announce that Michael Thomas Dayton, 64, of Lowell, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023, after waging a valiant battle with cancer. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Dayton and Bonnie Dayton and his sister Erika Mikkola. He was born on December 30, 1958, in Midwest City, Oklahoma and was the third oldest of nine children. Mike is survived by his long-time partner, Joni Thome, who lovingly cared for Mike throughout his two-year fight, until he peacefully passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. Remaining surviving siblings & spouses; Maggie (Mike), Chris (Sue), Rob (Lauren), Matt (Janet), Heather (Dean), Andrew (Marianne), Jeremy (Krystal); brother-in-law, Jim Mikkola; and many nephews, nieces, and family members. After graduating from Rochester High School in 1976, he worked in housing construction in Deerfield Beach, Florida, for a year before returning to Michigan and graduating with honors from Western Michigan University in mechanical engineering. Mike was known for his many talents and kind personality. In his retirement, he loved spending time with family and friends, and delighted in feeding and identifying the many types of birds at his feeders, not begrudging the frequent squirrel, chipmunk, or raccoon. He loved rehabbing his many projects and solving mechanical engineering problems and implementing those solutions. Mike was a very kind, gentle, generous soul and everyone who knew him will miss him. The family is very grateful to Lacks Cancer Center and Gentiva Hospice for the wonderful care he received throughout his battle with cancer. A celebration of life for Mike will be held July 15, 2023 at Big Broiler Brewery, 318 E. Main St, Lowell, MI 49331 from 12:30pm-4pm.

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3 Responses

  1. Mike was a caring, kind and compassionate man, generous with his time and resources. He also had a great sense of humor and quick wit – never failing to bring a smile to the face of anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him. He will be missed.

  2. One of the wisest men I have ever worked with. Never short of an appropriate one liner, he could always bring laughter to the room.

    He will truly be missed.

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