Michael "Mike" Basford

Michael J. Basford, 88, passed peacefully on September 8, 2023, surrounded by family at home on Walloon Lake, Petoskey, Michigan. Mike is survived by his wife Janet; his seven children, John (Michelle), Julie (Steve) Kaiser, Carole (Doug) Maibach, Denise, Sarah, Jenny (Joel) Schembri, and Michael; 21 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mike was born in 1935 to Frank and Rowena Basford, in Rockford, Illinois, one of three children, including brother Joe (deceased) and sister Kathleen. The family then settled in Birmingham, Michigan. Mike attended U of D Jesuit High School, the University of Michigan (member of the football team and Sigma Chi Fraternity), and the University of Detroit Law School. He practiced law for 40 years at General Motors.

Mike was an avid golfer, fisherman, and skier. He shared his love of these activities with family and friends. Mike loved to let the wind “whip through my hair!” as he would say, and every day was “the best I’ve ever been!”

Services will be held in Petoskey, Michigan, on Wednesday, September 13th, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 10 am followed by Mass at 11 am. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Petoskey Karmanos Cancer Institute or McLaren Hospice.