Michael Joseph Leahy passed away on Friday, August 27, at age 68. Michael will be remembered by so many as the kindest, most empathetic, compassionate, and genuine person they knew. Toward everyone he met, no matter what their relationship with him, how long they knew him, or who they were, Mike exuded love.
Those closest to him were better humans simply for knowing him. Michael lived his beliefs through his actions—he never judged, always encouraged, was never angry, was endlessly generous, and could find good in everything and everyone. Gentle, funny, and supportive, he brightened his corner of the planet.
After his childhood in Smyrna, Del., he spent time traveling the nation—landscaping, building miniature golf courses, hotels, and houses—marrying his wife and having his daughter in Tucson, Ariz., and eventually settling in Eureka Springs, Ark.
Michael believed in having the windows open, the radio playing, and being in the sunshine. He loved golfing, blue claw crabs, horses, gardens, baseball, good shows, hot tea, summer, unannounced visits, and a million other things, but most of all, he loved his family and friends, and spent his life showing it.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Leahy; and his grandfather, Eugene Collins. He is survived by his wife, Janice Leahy; daughter, Sarah Curl; son-in-law, Jeff Curl; granddaughter, Leah Curl; five siblings: Danny (Susie) Leahy, Eugene (Joan) Leahy, Regina (Chuck) Reynolds, Therese (Jay) Hurlock, and Chris (Christine Stull) Leahy; nine nieces and nephews; and 18 great nieces and nephews.
Mike wouldn’t have wanted donations or gifts; he would have told you to go do something nice for yourself. Let’s honor his memory by taking a lesson in the way he lived, loving each other and always finding the good.
wow – sorry to hear that. Mike was great guy! Heck of a fun golfer to play with too!