Michael Harris

Michael J. Harris

October 27, 1979 – July 24, 2009

Michael J. Harris, 29, Mishawaka, IN (Formerly from Kalamazoo, Michigan) passed away Friday, July 24, 2009 at his home. He was born as Michael Bernard Sloan on October 27th 1979 in Plainwell, MI to Deborah Lynne Sloan (Harris) and Michael Sloan, and spent most of his childhood years in Parchment and Kalamazoo. Michael is survived by his mother Deborah Harris (Chris) of Jackson TN; his father, Michael Sloan of Winter Springs, FL; his sisters, Gretchen Lee (Norron) of Plainwell Michigan, and Michelle and Miranda; one brother, Michael Sloan of FL; Grandparents, Barbara & Bernard DeBruyne of Otsego MI, and Floyd & Laura Sloan of Kalamazoo, MI; his uncle's, Mark (Kathy) DeBruyne of Plainwell, MI, and Michael DeBruyne (Pam) of Kalamazoo, MI; and his aunt, Pamela McQueer (Charles) of Otsego MI. Surviving also is Michael’s nephew and niece Kodie Blain and Sierra Kershaw both of Otsego, MI; and Michael’s girlfriend, Pamela McGruder and her two daughters, Heather and Mae of Mishawaka, IN.

Michael was an awesome, funny kid. He grew up with thinking he could be like superman with his little superman pj's with the cape many times thinking he could jump from the stairs and fly but quickly learned that only happens in the movies. Michael loved Martial Arts and took this up at an early age and was very good at it. Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and loved ones. He especially enjoyed his lizard, Suko. He was a good-hearted soul who had a rough road to toll here on this earth. I, Gretchen Lee, am asking that all of you try to celebrate the memories of my brother. He brought many laughter and many joys to us all. And I know that he would not want us to mourn but he would want us to remember him the way we do with the love in our hearts for him.

Also, life is too short and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. I am asking that you all hold your loved ones close to you, and don't take for granted the time you have left here with them. If there is unforgiveness or separation, I am encouraging you all to reconcile. If you don't know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior I am asking you to receive this promise of eternal life. Romans 10: For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Michael will be cremated and the family will have a private graveside service at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell, MI 49080. There will be a luncheon at the First Congregational Church of Otsego immediately following the graveside service. Please visit Michael’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the cemetery or make a memorial donation.

What the enemy meant for evil, God shall turn for good and may the Lord Jesus Christ receive the glory of Michael’s life.