1944 ~ 2024
GILLS PIER- Michael Neil Connolly, 80, of Northport, passed away on May 13, 2024, at his home on Gill’s Pier Road surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on March 26, 1944, in Flint, to John (Jack) and Barbara (Gourdie) Connolly.
Born and raised in Flint, Mike spent his childhood collecting baseball cards and ice fishing with family. He graduated from Flint Southwestern high school.
He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Ph.D in Sociology, though he refused to ever be called doctor. In a political science class, Mike met Jeremy Lynn Thomas. She would become his best friend and the love of his life. Thanks in large part to dear family friend Charlie Emery who helped orchestrate (or rather reorchestrate) the match, Mike married Jeremy in 1968 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Professionally, Mike was proud of his work with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB). In the 1980s, Mike and Jeremy moved to Leelanau County where Mike was hired as the interim tribal manager and later as the health and human services director for the GTB. Years later before leaving his job at the tribe, his longtime friend -- and then tribal chairman -- Buddy Raphael had this to say of Mike: “There are those among us that quietly go about the business of making this a better world to live in, without overt expectation of praise or reward, save for the internal satisfaction derived from seeing something accomplished or someone becoming more self-actualized and successful.”
Mike is one of those rare people who ask for little and are willing to give all to the common cause of good among Native people...” He was later made an honorary member of the tribe and maintained lifelong friendships with many of his colleagues until he died. Mike also was proud of his work at Northwestern Michigan College where he coordinated the tutoring and special needs programs. Throughout his life, Mike was known for his wit and willingness to talk to anyone, with countless inside jokes scattered across Leelanau County. He had a standing goal to “make someone smile everyday” and he took that commitment seriously. While not much for following the rules, Mike was rigidly ethical and lived according to his own code.
He consistently prioritized family and had fun doing it. He would forfeit pay each summer to go on month-long road trips taking his kids to the 48 continental United States. He coached his daughter’s softball team each summer and played basketball with his son every chance he got. His most prized title was “Papa,” spending his early mornings with his grandson Raven Connolly, often serenading him with songs, much to Raven’s delight. Even as walking became difficult, he participated in as many outings, activities, and adventures with Raven as he could. He referred to Raven as his “joy.”
He loved life in Leelanau County and cherished “running into” friends around the county. Often with one of the family’s many dogs (Dune, Rosie, Lucas, Q, Franklin, and Ellie) by his side, he hiked Leelanau’s many trails.
He loved watching and supporting Northport students in sports and the arts, and never missed a senior project night.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Jeremy; their children, Erin and Cory Connolly; grandson Raven Connolly; his brother John (Theresa) Connolly; a sister-in-law, Karen Liske; many nieces and nephews, and a vast extended family and network of dear friends, including Charlie and Maggie Emery and Sue and Steve Holmes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Maurice and Mildred Thomas, sister Shannon Christie, brothers-in-law Donald Christie, Edward Liske, Maurice Thomas, sister-in-law Nancy Thomas, nephew Steve Thomas, and dear friends Rich Feinberg, Pete Seif, and Phyllis Wanegeshik.
The family will be hosting a gathering to remember Mike at Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern (7100 N. Manitou Road) from 2pm to 6pm on May 25, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to the Northport Promise or Giffords PAC. Mike would also ask that any Republicans, independents, or nonvoters vote blue this election cycle in his honor.
Cremation has been accorded, and private family services have been held.
Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
