we will miss you mike....it was so much fun to see you at the middle school.  you always had a funny story or joke to tell..

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Having a brother like Mike was wonderful.  If you needed a hand he was there.  He would drive from Mason to Wacousta to help me on our house.  He helped move my mother-in-law twice. He was a hard worker, and a good worker.  He was always first with new gadets, and could help a not so with it older brother with his stuff.  Even when he was dealt a bad hand in life he didn't complain.  It took a lot of pain for him to acknowledge a need for more meds.  He doesn't need meds now, and for that I am glad.  I loved him very much and will miss him greatly.   He was as good of a brother as one could have.  Star, Fay, and Kelsey, I will try and be there for you if you need any thing.  Goodby Mike, see you in heaven when I get there.

Marion Ames and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Michael. It sounds like he must have been a
kind and gentle person. You and and the family will be im our thoughts and
prayers.  Michael surely is a Peace.  
Love,   Sr. Jean Kramer (and my sister Linda).

Prayers to the family.  I worked with Mike at Bud Kouts and really enjoyed his friendship.  Anytime I needed help or had a question he would be there to answer it.  A wonderful human being, very rare!  Cherish the memories.  God bless.

Dear Star, Faylynn, and Kelsey, please accept our condolences for losing dear Mike. He was a man of character and charm and our lives are enriched from having known him. Because of our summer cub scout day camp involvement, Camp Kiwanis was the center for our scouting activities, but it was the regard and fondness we developed for Mike and you, his family, that made the camp a special place for us. Hundreds of visits to Kiwanis over the years always found a smiling, cheerful, most-time hard-at-work Mike there to greet us and offer his help in any way we might need it, with the three of you, if available, always willing to pitch in your efforts as well. 

As I pause while writing this, I can look up at the ceiling Mike used his craftsmanship to install when replacing its leak-ruined predecessor. There are other areas of our home that retain solid evidence of Mike's artisan ability to build, install or repair. He was a master craftsman who helped us out of the goodness of his heart.

It is heartbreaking that he is too soon gone, but he leaves an enduring gift. For the rest of my time in this life, if down or in hard times, I will open my mind's eye, look at my many memories of Mike, perhaps one of him happy and healthy telling me one of his jokes, and smile. I know that I am not alone in this feeling and that Mike will be remembered with love by his family and fondness by all who knew him.  Bob and Molly Roop

I was surprised and saddened to hear of Mike's death. I did not know him well, but as a Cub Scout Pack parent, I worked with him several times at Camp Kiwanis, from Pack camp-outs, to scorching and stormy summer Day Camps.

 During one very stormy day, with 200+ day campers (i.e.rowdy little boys!) packed under the pavilions for safety, Mike climbed on a table to lead a rousing version of the "Tibetan Memory Trick" that kept them laughing and occupied 'til the lighting passed! Wow-- we parents were impressed! My son can still recite it! Thanks again Mike! You are missed.

Jean Fellows, Pack 635, Grand Ledge, MI

Star, Faylynn, & Kelsey,

Mike was one of my all-time favorite Scouting volunteers and co-workers. What I remember most about Mike was his fantastic sense of humor and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done. I vividly remember spending countless hours with Mike preparing supplies and an old trailer for our summer Cub Scout Day Camp program. To this day, Mike is the best ranger that I have ever worked with and one of the nicest family guys to boot. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Eric "Slacker" Clark
Ashland, Ohio

Mike was a friend from Okemos High School and Bud Kouts.I remember his big smile and cheerful personality always. My sincere condolences to the entire Ames family. Prayers,Glenna Fox Thorn Martin

Could there have been a more giving person?  Mike was one to help out even before being asked.   My brother-in-law for 45 years,  I don't remember of ever hearing him complain about anything,  not even through his sickness.   Definitely a man of courage and strength.  I remember him as being the "jokester",  always with a new joke to tell.  You'll be missed,  Mike.  You were a good dad and husband and good friend to your brothers,  just an all-around good guy.  We prayed to see you healed.  It didn't take place here, but where you are now.  You're fee of pain,  your work is done.  We'll meet again. 

Dianne Ames

Mike Ames was my favorite uncle. He had a uniquely terrific sense of humor, and had a willingless to do anything for anyone. He loved his family very much and would do anything for them.  He is already missed very much by all who knew him, but thank God we will see him again one day.

February 05, 2012

I have alot of fond memories of growing up with Mike.  He did some crazy things while growing up, but so did the rest of us boys.  But his seemed to stand out.  But then again,
Mike always stood out.
Mike would go out of his way to help someone if he could, because he was that type of guy.
I'll miss him dearly, but I will always have the fond memories of him.
Love ya bro.

Star, Faylynn and Kelsey.  I was saddened to read of Mike's death.  I think back to our connection... Alaiedon Elementary school.  Mike was such a wonderful and fun helper at Field Days.  My deepest sympathy to all of you.  Mike will be missed.

Sincerely, Sue McIntosh

Mike was one of the best hires I ever made in my 30 yrs. of hiring  for the Boy Scouts of America.  He was a great caretaker/ranger and friend.  I remember his wonderful sense of humor and the love he had for his lovely young family as  the girls grew up around him and Camp Kiwanis, when I was there.  We are richer people for knowing him.
God Bless Mike-and God Bless his family & friends,

Star im so sorry to hear about ur loss.I didnt get to see Mike to often but i know he was a wonderful man.My prayers on with u and ur girls.Jeannie

Mike was a wonderful cousin.  I shall miss his calls with "Hi Cuz"  Star,Faylynn and Kelsey my heart and prayers go out to you.  I know the heart ache and void it leaves.  Wish I could be with you to give each one a hug.  Love you Aunt Shirley  and Aunt Mary sends her love.

Mike will be greatly missed.  As I grew up, Mike was always my best friend. He taught me how to tie my shoes and ride a bike.  We had many adventures together and our trips together will always be remembered fondly.  

Mike loved to sail and I can see him now sailing in heaven in the bright sunshine, pain free  - or maybe he is walking in the  woods with Jesus.  Knowing Mike he is helping someone!  

Mike was a great roller skater!  When he danced as he went around the rink a whole line of skaters would follow!

My life is filled with memories of Mike and my life has been blessed with his presence in it.  I love you, Brother, and I will see you in Heaven

You are in our thoughts always, you were a good man taken much to early. I miss you because you were a good brother and were there whenever you were needed. See you.

Kelsey, so sorry for your loss!  Prayers are with you and your family!  He is now watching over you all!  God less you

Star,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a great friend and co-worker back in the Kouts day's. It was an honor to have worked beside him and to know him as well. My prayers are with you and the girls. Cherish the memories you all have!
Gary Weber

So glad we reconnected after so many years. He was an inspiration and I will miss his humor and wonderful attitude.

Mary Fox White

 I feel so fortunate to have found this childhood friend from Okemos Schools  on Facebook after so many years.  I enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and his zest for everything. His wonderful way of seeing the world made me smile.

I worked with Mike for many years at Bud Kouts.  He always had a great sense of humor and a ready smile and was ready to help anyone in need.  My God strengthen and comfort Star and the girls in this time of loss. Sending prayers to you Star and family.

Star, Faylynn, and Kelsey, We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing.  He was such a great friend, person, someone to share a laugh, and was so in touch with what needed to be done.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Jim Kennedy & Family

Working with Ranger Mike At Camp Kiwanis was an adventure to say the least! He made life interesting! He loved to joke and loved a good cigar now and then, I wonder if he ever told the council about the gold we were finding in the back 20? If there are trees in heaven, Mike is coming to take care of Them!  See you later Mike.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your dad at Camp Kiwanis. Sending you all love & hugs.

Mike was a great brother-in-law and could always make me laugh. He was a kind wonderful man who would give his all if you needed his help. You are no longer in pain and in a much better place.  You will be greatly missed and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. 

                                                             Marilyn Noble (Columbus, Mi)

Uncle Mike was one of the greatest uncles in the world, he was an amazing man, I loved the talks and the teasing back and forth, I think I'm going to miss that the most. I love you Uncle Mike, see you on the other side.

Mike was a wonderful, kind person.  I was lucky enough to have him in my family because he married my sister.  He had a kind heart and soul!  Know that we will watch over Star and the girls and that you will be missed every single day!

God speed my friend; you are no longer in pain.  You have left so many touched by your friendship and your sense of family.  God bless you Star, Kelsey and Fay.  May you find strength through the comfort of Mike's love for you and the joy he provided to so many.

OBITUARY

Michael L. Ames

June 21, 1950 – February 2, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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