Michael Forrest Kennedy

Michael is survived and missed by his beloved wife Deborah (née Marlow) of 27 years; his children, Elliot Fogel, Alain Kennedy Willich, and Summer Dawn; his grandchildren, Oscar, Abi and Grace; and his ridiculously spoiled cat Earl. He also leaves behind an eclectic cohort of dear friends.

As a foreshadowing of his life’s trajectory, Michael earned a F in Conduct and an A in Courtesy as a young boy in Catholic school. He had an incorrigible; irrepressible sense of humor and it was only his obvious underlying kindness that kept him out of trouble (most of the time).

Michael was a dreamer, an award-winning artist, a riveting storyteller, a true shucker and jiver as well as a master craftsman. He was a natural teacher and a font of wisdom both requested and unsolicited. He cherished the whimsical and the absurd both in life and in his loved ones. He was an elegant problem solver and a skilled builder, and his own home is a curvilinear work of art.

Michael loved a good daydream and could build a whole world with far-fetched and brilliant ideas. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed keeping up with breakthroughs in science, and knew the answer to almost any question. Among his many accomplishments, he made trusted friends with his backyard wrens who would then introduce their hatchlings to him for successive generations of friendship.

Michael was profoundly grateful for his life. He was a pacifist and felt blessed to have avoided war. He heart was full of gratitude for all of the little joys that he experienced daily, for good music of all kinds, for the chance to raise children, for the opportunity to create beautiful things. He felt fortunate to have loved and been loved so well. He especially loved sitting at the beach, sun on his skin, crab sandwich in his belly, cold beer in his hand, and Debbie by his side, watching the world go by.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to have known him. We give our heartfelt thanks to all his friends and loved ones for being in his life. There will not be a service, but we ask that you have a shot of tequila in celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Wildlife Association.