Michael J Conklin

Our brother Mike passed away Sunday 27 July at the W Young/Bay Pines VA HOSPICE at age 66. We were with Mike as he passed quietly and with dignity. We celebrate our brother. His life was not easy, but he made the best of it and never gave up. He was a great brother and we will dearly miss him. So please join us in a little story of Mikes life.

Our brother, Michael (Mike) Conklin was born in Oak Park Illinois on May 30th 1948. He is the youngest of 3 brothers, Kenneth, Chris and Mike. We added our sister Bonnie several years later. All the boys started life in Chicago Illinois as did our parents Robert (Bob) and Doris Conklin. Dad was a salesman and Mom a Modiste plus being our Mom.

We grew up in Florida. Mike was about 7 when the family moved to Florida. Bonnie was born soon after our move. In the early years we moved often, living in St Petersburg, Orlando and Lakeland until about 1963 when the family settled in Clearwater Fl. Mike would remain a resident of Clearwater and Largo the rest of his life. He graduated from Clearwater High School in 1967.

Mike enlisted and served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. During an attack on his base, he was badly injured and returned to the USA for medical treatment. His injuries caused lifelong health issues and disability. With his Mom at his side, he spend countless days in Army and VA Hospitals addressing continued health problems. After several years of near death episodes, Mikes health was finally stabilized and he was able to live a more normal but limited life. But he remained 100% disabled for the remainder of his life.

Following Mikes return from Viet Nam, he married Pam and they had a son named Jonathan. The marriage ended a few years later and Jonathon grew up with his mother. Mike was able to continue his education and was award a BA by Beacon Christian College in 1981. During this time, Mike met and married Suzanne (Suzy) Karlin. Suzy and Mike remained married and in love the remainder of their lives. With the help of Mom and Dad, Mike bought a Trailer in Largo where he would live for about the next 30 years. Sadly Mikes son Jonathan was killed in Tampa by a drunk driver in 2004.

In 2008, Suzy was facing health issues which forced them to move into assisted living apartment. Sadly Suzy's health continued to decline and she moved into a nursing home until her death in 2012. Mike also faced health issues which forced him into Belleair Nursing home about that time. While life in a nursing home can be difficult, Mike was able to do well and was very happy.

On June 29th of this year Mike was rushed to the C W Young/Bay Pines ICU with a case of Pneumonia. He rallied, but soon was hit with an added case of toxic shock and started slowly to fail. But during this period, the family had planned the burial of Mikes Dad's ashes, so the entire family was able to visit with Mike during his last days. On the 22nd of July Mike was moved to the VA Hospice. With Kenneth, Chris and our friend Vera at his side, Mike stopped breathing at 1:50 PM on 27 July at VA Hospice.

Mike loved life and made the best he could of difficult situations. Lesser men would have folded long ago. He will be remembered for his smile and perhaps his corny jokes. His Funeral is 11AM 4 August.

Details at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com