Michael Edwards

MICHAEL J. EDWARDS 11/3/53 8/28/2014 Michael J. (Eddie) Edwards passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2014, in Honolulu, after a remarkably courageous battle with cancer. His determination and fight were an inspiration to his family, many friends and his physicians. In this struggle, he never questioned the cards he had been dealt, and lived each and every day with optimism, laughter, and joy. He is survived by his sisters, Kathy (Tom) Roach of New Boston, MI., Nancy (Frank) Lakies of Tucson, AZ., Beth (Phil) Hall of Belleville, MI., Denise (Dave) Talsma of Swartz Creek, Mi., and Lisa Edwards of Flint, Mi., as well as nieces Amy (Dan) Watson and Lauren Talsma, and nephews Bryan and David Roach, and great-nephews Devin McCain and Jackson Watson. Also survived by many cousins and an uncle. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Shirley Edwards, his niece Ryane Lakies, and his paternal and maternal grandparents. Mike was born in Flint, Michigan, and graduated from Powers High School in 1971. Following graduation, he served in the Navy, and then lived for several years in Houston, Texas before moving to his beloved Hawaii 35 years ago. He was a "free spirit", and embraced all that life had to offer. His favorite phrase when asked how he was doing was always "just another beautiful day in paradise". He worked as a painter in Honolulu. Prior to his illness, he was active in a softball league, enjoyed several years cruising the waters in his boat, cook-outs with his friends, and pretty much anything that allowed him to be in the beautiful sunshine of the island he was proud to call home. He was a wonderful brother, and a valued friend to all who knew him. He was a caring and giving man, quick with a smile and generous to a fault. At wedding receptions, Mike could be found, along with his five sisters, singing and dancing to the lyrics of the song "we are family.I've got all my sisters with me". The world was a much better place with him in it. He was loved and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Death may have taken our brother, but it will never take our memories. Cremation will take place in Honolulu with burial at sea. A celebration of his life will be held 2-5 PM Sunday, September 28, 2014 at The Pachyderm Pub, G-4108 East Hemphill Road, Burton. Aloha Mikerest in peace.