Michael Gillman Linsea

The characteristics that we, his family, will most remember Mike for are his generosity, intelligence, integrity, humor, love of the environment, and pride of his family, close friends, land, and home. He was truly the most interesting man in the world.

Michael (Mike) Gillman Linsea was born October 11, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Maxine Eloise (DeLong) Linsea and Vincent Linsea.

Mike met his wife and best friend, Roz (Rosalind), April 3, 1983 in Kalamazoo when he joined her and a friend for an after work cocktail. They were soulmates. She considered him to be the most interesting guy in the world and very unique! They married May 21, 1988 on a beautiful crystal clear 80 degree day at Bay Point of Gun Lake. Together, they had two children Jane Alice and Jonathon Vincent. They were his pride and joy. He enjoyed seeing his love of nature, sense of humor, appreciation for music, collections, and adventurous spirit in them. He also had a daughter, Sarah Michelle, whom he loved very much, from a previous marriage. He was the best dad. The family established their home on property near Gun Lake. He was the family “keeper” of peace and heirlooms and had a strong bond with relatives all over the country and through all generations.

Mike was very interested in and excited about space; He and his friend Aaron - whose birthday is on the day of the famous moonwalk - marveled at space travel and kept track of astronomical events over the years. Mike was quick to share events of the stars and moon with all who wanted to know.

A nature lover and protector of the earth, he worked tirelessly on his land - clearing and establishing trails and gathering points for all to enjoy the land, making a stream, or just laying in his hammock. When he walked in the room for a family gathering, meeting, into a restaurant, neighborhood gathering, or social event he would be the guy who would greet everyone with a “hi” or a smile. He was always interested in their stories and looking for ways to better his community and the industry in which he worked.

Music was a big part of Mike’s life; in the spirit of friendship, he enjoyed his “studio” where friends were always welcome to come play an instrument, sing, or just hang out and listen to The Beatles, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, or other music of their choices. A couple of up and coming bands found the barn studio a great place to practice their songs. There were many long nights spent in the studio where he would go and just have plain old fun.

Mike’s career of selling began in the 80’s where he first sold wood stoves. He advanced his skill set in the 90’s and early 2000’s by working in the trucking industry. He eventually founded Solar Winds Power Systems October 31, 2008 with his wife; he successfully became the go-to for renewable energy and advising people on lessening their carbon footprints in Western Michigan. Mike was a veteran of the United States Army who served in the 1970’s in Germany. He also charitably gave time to the Buddy-to-Buddy Veteran program.

In February 2021, Mike was diagnosed with a lesion on his brain stem and received surgery for its removal. He courageously fought to come back and heal through therapies, but sadly he wasn't able to recover. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald Perdue. He is survived by his wife, Rosalind Hillard-Linsea; daughter, Jane Linsea; son, Jonathon Linsea; daughter, Sarah Rodery; best friend, Aaron Gridley (Linda); sister, Suzanne Smith; brother, David Linsea (Lori); several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to “Send Mike to Space!” through a PayPal fundraiser, Great Lakes Renewable Energy (GLREA), or to the Red Cloud Indian Reservation.

Mike’s Celebration of Life will be held at his property (“Blue Jay Way”) 2 p.m. October 30, 2021 at 5399 Laura Dr., Shelbyville, MI. The address will take you to a fork in the road. Take a left and they are the first house on the left - property has a barn with solar panels. This will be an outside gathering, so per Mike’s wishes, dress casually and pay attention to the weather. Plan on staying a while to celebrate Mike and enjoy the beauty of nature. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookwayland.com.