Michael D. Champagne
November 13th, 1951 - August 2nd, 2024
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Michael's Obituary
Michael D. Champagne of Grand Junction, Michigan, age 72 passed away on August 2, 2024 at his home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born November 13, 1951 in San Diego, California to Vincent and Shirley (O’Brien) Champagne.
Mike was the beloved husband of Gayle (Thomas), and the cherished father of Alex.
Mike is survived by his wife Gayle, of 49 years; one son, Alex (Catherine) Champagne of Evansville, Indiana, his brothers; Dan (Madonna) Champagne of Rattle Run, Michigan and Daryl (Mary) Champagne of Northville, Michigan, many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Shirley Champagne and in-laws Robert and Rena Thomas.
Mike graduated from Michigan State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and earned a Master of Zoology from MSU in 1975.
He spent his entire 40 year career at various nonprofit nature centers. Mike was the chief naturalist at Fernwood Nature Center in Buchanan, Michigan from 1976-1992. He then became the Executive Director at Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden, Michigan from 1992 until he retired in 2017.
Mike and Gayle moved to Grand Junction, Michigan in 2017, where Mike made their 6 acre home into a nature sanctuary of their own. A passionate botanist, he planted and cultivated many native plants and shrubs with the goal of continuously improving the natural community. Taking care of the earth was always important to Mike. He inspired many school children and adults alike with his enthusiasm, and he loved to educate everyone about all things in nature. He was an avid birder and observed over 700 species of birds in North America, many of which were seen on trips with friends and family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) 8395 E Main St. Galesburg, MI 49053 or www.swmlc.org or a nonprofit conservation charity of your choice. To view Michaels personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Mike was the beloved husband of Gayle (Thomas), and the cherished father of Alex.
Mike is survived by his wife Gayle, of 49 years; one son, Alex (Catherine) Champagne of Evansville, Indiana, his brothers; Dan (Madonna) Champagne of Rattle Run, Michigan and Daryl (Mary) Champagne of Northville, Michigan, many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Shirley Champagne and in-laws Robert and Rena Thomas.
Mike graduated from Michigan State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and earned a Master of Zoology from MSU in 1975.
He spent his entire 40 year career at various nonprofit nature centers. Mike was the chief naturalist at Fernwood Nature Center in Buchanan, Michigan from 1976-1992. He then became the Executive Director at Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden, Michigan from 1992 until he retired in 2017.
Mike and Gayle moved to Grand Junction, Michigan in 2017, where Mike made their 6 acre home into a nature sanctuary of their own. A passionate botanist, he planted and cultivated many native plants and shrubs with the goal of continuously improving the natural community. Taking care of the earth was always important to Mike. He inspired many school children and adults alike with his enthusiasm, and he loved to educate everyone about all things in nature. He was an avid birder and observed over 700 species of birds in North America, many of which were seen on trips with friends and family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) 8395 E Main St. Galesburg, MI 49053 or www.swmlc.org or a nonprofit conservation charity of your choice. To view Michaels personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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