Michael was an amazing man and I am just finding out about his passing. Even though it has been a few years since I have seen or spoken to Michael and year since he departed this life, I cannot help but feel a deep sadness and loss for this departure.  I met Michael when I was working with Inclusive Health.  He was a joy to be around and his positive energy was genuine.  My prayers go out to his family whom he spoke of often I am deeply sorry for your loss.

I had the pleasure of knowing Michael at Catholic Central, Binghamton, NY for my last 2 years of high school. We saw each other during our college vacations and lost touch until our 20 reunion. He had just married and had become a Dad and he was so happy. I am sad to say we did not keep in touch. When I received my SCCHS newsletter and saw his passing, I was deeply saddened. After reading other submissions, I realized all the lives he has touched with his wit, wisdom and love of humanity. God has a special place for him and another plan to take him so young. Rest my friend, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

I am very sorry for your loss.  News of Michael's death was a shock.  I knew Michael from his days in DC in the early 1980's working at So Others Might Eat (SOME), an organization serving the homeless.  

Michael came to SOME as a Jesuit volunteer and worked with the dental clinic. I imagine the experience contributed to his career choice of public health.  

I remember Michael as dedicated, hard-working and concerned about the needs of those we served.  We had many good times together, both on the job and off, and doing many fun things together.  I especially remember a road trip the two of us took to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and also driving with him to Ann Arbor when he was starting his MPH program at the University of Michigan.

Michael also was an original member of the SOME softball team--the Mud Hens--a team which continues to this day.  I also remember that he loved to dance, and we attended many dance parties together.

I am very sorry for this way-too-early passing.  Michael and family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

I just found out about this via the state Community Health Center newsletter.  When I was a fellow in Preventive Medicine, Michael helped me to do my Master's thesis in the school of Public Health.  He was instrumental in getting me hooked up with all of the right people to educate doctors around the state about Medicare part D.  He was so generous with his time, his connections, and so quick to bring levity to any situation that needed it.  My heartfelt condolences to his family.  He did so much to make this state a better place.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Michael was a wonderful colleague to me.  Unfortunately, I'm just learning of his passing.  My prayers will be with you.

Please excuse me if I sound selfish about how deeply hurt I felt when I heard of Michael's death on Saturday and so sad that I could not share in grieving with you, Mary, your daughters, Bernadette and Michael's sibling at his funeral.  

I was shocked by the news because I only had been keeping up with him by reading on LinkedIn about his health insurance organization accomplishments. I had no idea that his cancer had returned.

Michael was one of my two closest friends. We were something of alter egos to each other. He was the best man at my wedding.  I did not have anyone else I could ask. There was no one better I could have asked. In another cruel irony or maybe as part of a circle of completion, Michael died on the day before the wedding of my son, Michael.

I am sorry to be selfish in telling you about how much of his joie de vrie and easy extroversion that he shared with me enriched my life. Like you I feel his loss, terribly.

I so valued our long talks on the phone about our psychological and religious journeys after we had lived together between 1980-82.  A fellow housemate reminded me of how Michael and another housemate loved to sing with such joy and energy in the mornings. A lovely memory.

We were both from Irish American working class families.  Bernadette reminded me of my loving grandmother.

When he met my second wife before we were married he said something gracious to her that she did not expect to hear from an American.  She is an immigrant from Colombia, S.A.

He was always trying to be upbeat and to lift other people's spirits with humor. 

Mary, Grace, Emily, Bernadette, Anne and all the other family of Michael, I am sorry for your loss and wish you safe travels through your grief.

I hope you will send me contact information so that I can talk with you. John.lafferty@yahoo.com

Praying for your peace in the love of Christ, as Michael would have done and is doing now.

Seeing Mike in his track togs from Catholic Central brings back long ago memories. To Mike's family I wish my sincerest condolences.  May God Bless him and keep him and offer you solace.

I just heard of Michael's passing today from an old friend.  I last saw and spoke to Michael over 30 years ago, but the sweet memories of what a blessing he was to myself and all who had the pleasure of his company have overcome me.  My heart goes out in compassionate intercession for his wife, Mary, and his children and family members and I have been offering up prayers of gratitude and love to Our Father in Heaven for Michael all day, as well.  Michael challenged me more than once when I was "out of line", and I was always grateful for his honesty that made me a slightly better man.  Michael, God bless you and thank you.  Michael, Save me a seat in the Kingdom.  John Kurtz, East Fallowfield, PA

Mary
  I am sending my heart felt sympathy.   I pray for  strength and  loving hearts and hands around you offering help and support,....family, friends, community. ....Know that your Cranford friends care deeply . I send you love across the miles.
Terri Walsh Danberg

Mary, I was very sorry to learn this week of Mike's passing. Mike did his JVC placement at SOME in DC the year after me, and worked with me at the Lung Association there for a year before beginning his MPH. He and I and mutual friend Tom Taylor also made an adventurous trip to L.A. around then, and later I was thrilled to hear of his many accomplishments in public health.  I very much enjoyed Mike's smiles, laughs and love of life. My prayers and best wishes for you, Emily, Sarah and all who loved Mike and were loved by him.

Neil Diamond was left without a shred of respectability after Michael and I butchered "I am I said" at a JVC reunion. After that we would communicate on health policy issues too. He was a gentle soul who touched many people.

Mary, we were all so sad to hear of Mike's passing.  Such a nice guy and always with a smile on his face.  Much love to you and the girls.  

Lynn, Glenn, Katie and Sam Osmond

My condolences to all of Michael's family.  I worked with Michael at CCHP over the last year, and he was a very smart man and a delight to work with.  Everyone here misses him dearly.

Mike was a great wit and entertained us in pun-offs on camping trips (his talent was unsurpassed). I remember when Mary came on the scene and started showing up at events. I lost tract of him but remember Mike as one of the 'regular' FJVs or Paulist Center folk with whom I formed a friendship after moving to Boston. The connection still runs deep as his passing is mourned by all of us who knew him from those days. He lived a full and purpose-filled life.  May his memory bring joy and laughter.

Mary,
I don't know if you remember me, but we had the chance to explore the Georgia O'Keefe museum in Santa Fe when you and Michael traveled there together for one of our NASCHIP meetings. I was heartbroken to receive this news last week. Michael was a dear friend and colleague. I learned so much from him when we teamed up to lead the NASCHIP board. His intellect, humor and integrity were an inspiration to us all and helped us navigate through quite a few sticky situations. I called on him frequently for counsel and he was at the ready to listen carefully and offer sage advice. When we had the chance to pivot from work to our personal lives in our conversations, he always had a wonderful story to share about you and the girls. I hope that you find comfort in your memories and the love of your family and friends.

My sincerest condolences.  Michael was a friend so long ago -- and one of my mother's favorite students!  I clearly remember his beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night" at the Christmas Eve mass at St. Catherine's church.  He was charming and funny -- a delight to everyone who knew him.  I will always think of him and smile.

I knew Mike for a few years back in the Brighton days of former JVC friends, what a wonderful man, beloved by many.   Kind, bright, good-natured.    My heart goes out to his family.
Amy Lechner Conley

Mary, Emily and Grace - you don't know me as my association with Michael was professional and during the time he was the Executive Director of the NC Risk Pool.  What a fine man he was. He always spoke so fondly, proudly and lovingly of his family.  He truly was a good listener, and a great encourager and he left a lasting impression on me.  Prayers to your family in the days to come.

Condolences to the Keough family. 45 years ago I remember spending a weekend or so with cousin Mike and our cousin Bill Hawley at our Grandpa Hawley's house in Binghamton.

Mary,  I just heard the sad news.  I'm sorry for your loss and your daughters as well.  I'll be keeping you in my prayers and thoughts during this time.

Mary, Emily, and Grace, thank you for sharing Michael with us.  He was an amazingly kind and gentle man.  Thoughtful and attentive to others.  It was my honor to work with him through Inclusive Health.  He was a friend the the agent/broker community and we are greatful for our time with him. On behalf of the NC Association of Health Underwriters- Liz Gallops

I have known Mr. Mike since I was 5. The Keough's were what made Queenstown Court the most fun and lively couldisac in Turnberry, and they have been like a second family to me. Grace and I have been best friends ever since I moved there. For as long as I can remember, I was over at their house all the time playing with Gracie and just always having a ball! My dearest memory with Mike was when I got baptized. After I had gotten out of the pool, the very first people I saw were him and Grace... He had the biggest, sweetest smile on his face. I will always cherish the fun dinners, vacations, and movie nights I've had with the Keough family. And I am beyond thankful for the joy that Mike put into it. He will be dearly missed.

So sorry to hear of Michael's passing.   I only knew him professionally, but during the time that we worked together, I found him to be a special person.   My prayers go out to his family and friends.

When I think of Michael, I recall the many times we chatted at church and he made me feel like it was the most important thing he could be doing.  What a gift he had of listening with care, yet always ready to tease light-heartedly.  Mary, Emily, and Grace, we pray for your peace as you miss his beautiful spirit.

I knew Michael for the past 18 years and worked with him for several at the Office of Rural Health. He was a gentle and very kind man who cared about and listened to people with deep compassion and love. My thoughts and prayers for his family.  Kathy Johnson

Michael helped in so many ways with the National Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans (NASHIP).  I am happy to have had the opportunity to gain from his insights, knowledge and humor.  Sending peace and comfort to Michael's family.

Very saddened by the passing of Michael.He was such a good person, student, and athlete. And part of such a wonderful family. Michael was small in stature, but huge in heart. He will be kept in our prayers.

I have fond memories of working with Michael at the Office of Rural Health.  He was a creative and intelligent member of our team.  His passing is a loss to all of us.  May God give you strength and peace as you enter into a new phase of your life.

I was fortunate to meet Michael through the state risk pool association.  Michael was professional, curious, gracious and compassionate.  He will be missed by his risk pool family across the country.

We were privileged to get to know Michael through the Pollards and express our sympathy to you all.  He was a such a lovely, thoughtful person and we enjoyed spending time with him.  God bless you in the days to come.

Mary and girls, I worked with Michael during the time the State was providing the prescription drug program to seniors.  He was a dear person and I learned a lot from him.  He was always proud to talk about his family.  I am fortunate to have known him as he had so much compassion for all people and really wanted to help make this world a better place.  I extend my sympathies to all of you.   Carla Obiol, NC Department of Insurance

I was fortunate to work with Michael at the Office of Rural Health many years ago. He was always very kind. My deepest condolences to your family.

Mary and Girls.  I had the privilege of knowing Michael through his work to provide prescription drug assistance to seniors and health care coverage for high risk individuals.   He was a compassionate and highly effective advocate and administrator who touched the lives of many people.   I greatly enjoyed his sense of humor, witty ways, and great ability to go with the flow.  

I regret that I am traveling cross country and will not be in town for the funeral.

Mary, Emily and Grace.  I had the privilege of working with and getting to know Michael while he served as the Executive Director of Inclusive Health.  We spoke often and eventually developed a personal relationship where he shared with me the importance of his faith in God.  It was a common bond we shared and it was clear that his faith was his compass in life. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Just know that he is running again in the fields of heaven and you will see him again.

Mary, You and the girls are in my prayers.  Michael has been a part of our family for many years. I will remember him with love.  Lynda and Randy Hedger.

Our most recent special memory of Michael was wandering around the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs last year.  Michael stayed with us and we laughed and talked about the life of the spirit.  We sat down by the French Broad River and watched time and memories flow by.
     Michael gave me a book of celtic wisdom years ago, Anam Cara, by John O'Donohue.  Anam Cara means soul friend, and that ye were, Michael.
     Thanks Mary for calling us.
            John and Kathryn Graeter

Mary, Emily and Grace...Michael touched so many lives; he always tried to do the right thing by all...a great feat in life...Godspeed Michael, you have left us all to ponder the meaning of life and you are truly missed. Deb and Ed Foulkes

I am so sad to hear of Michael's passing, my heart is heavy.  Michael and I were team mates in high school, we shared many miles of running together.  I have not been in touch with him for many years but he was and is frequently in my thoughts.  My sympathies to you and your children.

I only knew Michael professionally. He was someone I could always call for information, he would always take some time to explain complicated insurance issues with me. He was kind, funny, patient and personable and really interested in helping. I was always grateful when he picked up the phone. 

My deepest condolences. 

Rose Hoban, Editor from NC Health News, formerly WUNC.

My deepest condolences to you, Mary, and the girls, he was one of the kindest, noble, and authentic human beings I know.  My heart goes out to all of you, and I thank God for sending him into my life. lo those many years ago.  Love ya,  Jim Kababik

Mary, Emily and Grace, So sorry to hear about Michael.  He certainly fought a good fight.  I know that he is at peace and our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Lisa and Dave Gibson

Mary, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls. Michael was such a nice person and will be missed.  The Brustofski family

I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael one time, right before you had left for SC.  But all I needed was one time to know he was a genuine man.  He was so full of warmth and friendliness, the kind that anyone would want in their life.  You were all so blessed to have had such a great spirit in your life.  My deepest condolences.

Our love, thoughts and prayers to all of the Keoughs.  Michael brought so much joy, faith and enthusiasm to us all! What a wonderful, wonderful man, and a beautiful family. 
Love, Terry & Jay Reeder

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was such a decent and lovable man. He will be missed many. Please call on me and my family if we can be of service. Peace.

Mary, I am so sorry to hear of this - my heart hurts for you!

Sharon Hope

We are so saddened to hear of Mikes passing. Our prayers to you Mary, Emily and Grace. May you find comfort in all the memories. We miss you so.

Mary, Emily & Grace,

We greatly enjoyed Michael's friendship, stories about growing up Irish, and wise professional counsel when you were in Charleston. Please know our prayers are with you. 

May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall
You do not walk alone.

Ellen Moran & Rich Goodman

Mary, Emily, and Grace,  Michael was such a special person and will be missed by many.  John and Lindsay have many happy memories of Indian Princesses with Michael and Emily.  Our prayers are with you.  Love,  Anne, John, Erika, Lindsay, and Craig.

So Sad to hear this news. Michael will always be remembered for his kind smile and thoughtful attention to whomever he was speaking. Prayers for you Mary, Emily and Grace.

What a loss for all of us. What a beautiful, gentle, and joyful soul. We are sending a donation to the Franciscan Springs Prayer Center where we retreated with you all in honor of our memories of Michael. So much love to you and the girls, Mary.

Michael was such a warm and caring person. He was truly dedicated to improving the health of North Carolinians and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. Michael will be deeply missed.

May God bless Michael's beautiful soul!
Sending love to all the Keoughs.

Mr Keough will be missed. I always looked forward to seeing him and his wonderful smile that could spread sunshine even on a cloudy day!

I am so sorry for your loss and know that Michael will be missed.  He was a wonderful co-worker, friend, and leader.  May each of you know how special he is for the lives he touched and made better.

OBITUARY

Michael T. Keough

April 20, 1957 – June 13, 2015

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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