Michael Cooper O’Connor, age 76, of High Point, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Monday March 23, 2020. One of seven siblings of the late Max and Marion O’Connor, he was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on September 24, 1943. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Micah, brothers Vincent (Vince) and William (Bill) and his sister Patricia (Pat).
His lifetime love of motorcycles and cars began at an early age. Being part of a large family of adventurous and mischievous siblings gave him plenty of opportunities to exercise his mechanical talents and hone those driving and racing interests. After high school, he attended Gaston Technical College in Gastonia, NC, where he met his future wife, Jane. After getting married in 1965, Mike and Jane spent 6 years in Charlotte, during which time they had their daughter Tamara. Mike worked at a Triumph motorcycle dealership and thus began one of his lifelong passions — British motorcycles. Mike and Jane returned to High Point in 1971 where they brought their son Micah into this world and then a few years later, had their son Kerry. Mike worked as a machinist with his good friend Bobby Saintsing before beginning a small business repairing automobiles and working with his brother, Randy.
Outside of work, Mike was an avid bluegrass fan, enthusiast of all kinds of cars and motorcycles, resource for the Triumph motorcycle community, tinkerer-at-large and an amazing husband, father and friend. His support, dedication, and willingness to help out was enjoyed by friends and family alike and will be sorely missed by all. Mike never met a stranger and had a special talent for being able to talk with brand new folks as if he had known them all his life. He enjoyed his interests and more importantly, he enjoyed people who also shared those interests. He saw beauty in all kinds of unexpected places, appreciated anything that was well-designed and enjoyed seeing the humor in everyday things. Later in life, both Mike and Jane discovered a new joy — their beloved grandchildren. At the time of his death Mike was enjoying bluegrass shows and festivals, hot rod car shows, motorcycle meets, driving to visit with friends and spending time with family, especially the grandchildren who brought him so much joy.
Left to cherish memories of Mike are his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Jane O’Connor; his daughter, Tamara O’Connor; his son, Kerry O’Connor (Christy); two brothers, Steve O’Connor (Linda) and Randy O’Connor (Dorothy); and one sister, Carol Rich (Frank). He is also survived by two grandchildren, Amelia O’Connor and Siler O’Connor; many nieces and nephews; and more life long friends than one could hope for. A gathering for friends and family to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at a later date in 2020, post-current restrictions in place due to the Coronavirus pandemic. If you feel compelled to do anything in Mike’s memory, he would have loved for folks to learn more about British motorcycles, go enjoy a car show or gathering, attend a bluegrass music concert, develop a new interest, and make the time to be with friends and family you don't often see. Please everyone—see the beauty in everything, enjoy the unexpected, be sure to tell friends and family how much they are loved and appreciated, and how happy you are that they are part of your life!
