Michael (Mike) Gillman Linsea of Gun Lake died Thursday, Oct. 14. He was 67.
The characteristics Mike will be remembered for are his generosity, intelligence, integrity, humor, love of the environment, and pride of his family, close friends, land, and home.
Mike was born Oct. 11, 1954 in Grand Rapids 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 married May 21, 1988, at Bay Point of Gun Lake. Together, they had two children Jane Alice and Jonathon Vincent.
He also had a daughter, Sarah Michelle, from a previous marriage.
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.
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.
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.
Mike’s career of selling began in the ’80s when he first sold wood stoves. He advanced his skill set in the ’90s and early 2000s by working in the trucking industry. He eventually founded Solar Winds Power Systems Oct. 31, 2008, with his wife. He 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, but he wasn’t able to recover.
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.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald Perdue.
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. Oct. 30, at 5399 Laura Dr., Shelbyville. This will be an outside gathering, so per Mike’s wishes, dress casually and pay attention to the weather.