Mike was born on May 1, 1947, in Sitka, Territory of Alaska, just 8 months after the birth of his "Irish Twin", Michelle (Mitch). At the age of 2, the family returned to the Portland, Oregon area. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in a family of 6 children and shared many adventures with special family friends, the Grafs.
He graduated from Estacada High School, class of 1965. In 1967, he entered the Jesuit Seminary intending to become a priest following in the footsteps of his oldest brother, Jave. Mike’s life diverted from that path in early 1970. That worked out pretty great for Shirlene, whom he met at church while singing and leading the worship service in September of 1970. They would go on to be married on November 6, 1971.
Shortly after their marriage, in 1972, they left Oregon for Fond du Lac, Wisconsin for new opportunities where they would remain for 24 years, building lifelong friendships and raising 3 wonderful children, whom he loved very much. He worked as a pressman, operating a large printing press for much of his career.
In 1996, they decided to return to Oregon, settling in Oregon City. Mike continued his career as a pressmen, along with doing graphic design work until his retirement. After retiring, they moved to Sherwood, Oregon in 2013, allowing Mike to be close to his only grandson, whom he adored spending time with.
Mike had five loves: his love of God, love of family, love of music, love of being Irish, and love of football. Mike was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame. He was an even bigger fan of watching football each season with his son and watching his grandson take the field.
Mike’s love of music was an integral part of who he was. He learned to play the guitar while in the Seminary, which launched his lifelong love of songwriting. He wrote 100's of songs over the years, which included songs for each of his children, which he wrote the day they were born and sung at each of their weddings.
He also instilled the love of music in his children. He loved being able to see some of his favorite musicians in concert, like Peter, Paul & Mary, with his two daughters, which was a really special moment. He was also quick to provide Simon & Garfunkel trivia facts… “Hey, did you know "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was written on a napkin?” and his children would groan and laugh…“Yes, dad, we know”.
Mike was a giver and he was always there for anyone in need. He was willing to listen, brighten your day with his infectious smile or wound himself on home improvement projects. He had a wonderful wit about him and brought joy to any room he entered. You were never a stranger for long in the presence of Mike Hennessy and he left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirlene, son Brian and wife Mary, daughter Anna and husband Randy Fischer, daughter Angie and husband David Sookdeo, his two favorite grandchildren Liam Hennessy and Emily Sookdeo, sister-in-law Anna Marie, sister-in-law Kathy, brother-in-law Curtis Watts, sister-in-law Marie, brother Tim and his wife Katie, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis Hennessy and Mildred Rehberg Hennessy Wright, and his older siblings, brothers John Vincent (Jave) and Robert (Bob), and sister Michelle (Mitch) Watts. After Mike's passing, his brother Denny also went to be with the Lord.
Mike's family finds comfort in knowing he is with our Lord and Savior and he would want you to feel that same comfort.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Hennessy family.
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