Michael Alan Shumway

Michael Alan Shumway passed away at home on 26 February 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born on June 25, 1958, he was the son of Elaine Wojan Shumway and John Shumway. Michael grew up in Houston, Texas, and attended Rice University, majoring in Electrical Engineering, with a minor in Dungeons and Dragons. It was at Rice that he met his wife, Suzanne, who married him despite his commitment to the United States Marine Corps. Together they traveled across the country from Quantico, Virginia, to Southern California as he went through flight training, ultimately flying several aircraft: the T-34 Mentor, the T-2 Buckeye, the A-4 Skyhawk, and the A-6 Intruder. He left the Marine Corps in 1986 and attended the University of Texas School of Business, garnering an MBA and receiving the award for top student in his year. Later, he would go on to obtain a nursing degree: Michael was a true generalist, using his powerful intellect to acquire a variety of skills. His hobbies ranged from learning circuitous woodworking and construction techniques to mastering the intricacies of traveling throughout Europe with large dogs. Michael was dedicated to breeding, raising, and showing his Leonbergers, most of whom were AKC Grand Champions, and he showed them not only in United States, but in England, Germany, France, and the Czech Republic as well.

A transplant to Northern Michigan, Michael quickly fell in love with the hills, forests, and lakes that make this area so very special. He was a good neighbor and friend, and he cared for all of his pets—even the cats—with a gentleness and love that often belied his matter-of-fact outlook on life.

Michael’s real pride, however, were his three children, Kate Shumway (Lewis), Daniel Shumway (Madeline), and Ian Shumway, as well as his three grandchildren, Arleigh, Hadley, and Bodie Aldridge. He leaves behind his devoted sister, Helen Shumway, as well as his highly annoyed yet loving wife of 45 years, Suzanne, who will have to muddle along without him somehow.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

“Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”