Michael C. Lawrence, “Mike”, known as “Squeak” to many friends, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 22, 2022. Mike was a lifelong resident of Garrettsville, Ohio. He was born on November 12, 1955 in Greenville, Pa to the late Patricia Medzie (Horne), and leaves behind “Dad”, Ralph Clark.
Mike was a semi-truck driver for most of his life and enjoyed the freedom behind the wheel, and all of the people he met and worked with along the way.
He loved sports and was very competitive in everything he did. The early years he played baseball and football in school. He later embraced fishing, golf, bowling and foosball! He was named the Allegheny “Beer Pong” champ, along with John Bratnick, in the Allegheny Forest on one of his many camping trips. They beat the young ones and will never let them forget! He was also quite the roller skater in his very early years, and was a skate guard and was pretty impressive to watch…..
His early years were filled with wild and fun times, as Mike lived every day on full throttle. He ran with the Arrowhead Band for many years, and the stories and memories they made will fill a book. He loved southern rock and played acoustic guitar around the campfire, but never reached his full potential (we always said due to his attention span because he would get bored), but he did write a beautiful song “Listen to the Wind”. He would rather listen to his “brothers”, John & Larry Bratnick play, along with so many other talented friends who could play guitar. He slept on the banks of a river in West Virginia with good friends, and woke up with a gentle snow on him and his guitar. His stories are endless.
Mike met his wife, Cherie, during his mid life, and they shared 24 beautiful years together. He became a softer and gentler soul, and quite the family man, and he embraced his children and grandchildren beyond words. Mike and Cherie were always together, and enjoyed boating, fishing, trips to the ocean, camping and motorcycle riding and long rides in the car sight seeing. They made no real plans, and they both lived day to day and would seize the moment at hand.
Mike was a rock to the family and to Cherie, during some very difficult losses and his strength would guide everyone through…….he lost his precious grandbaby, Kandice Jean, and they were very close.
Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Cherie, his children, Brad Troyer, Brett & Brittany Grant, and his precious grandson, Kaleb Michael James whom he adored and would spend every Sunday watching his antics which brought him endless joy. He is survived by his Dad, Ralph Clark, his dear sister Linda (Terry) Allen, and brothers Jim (Winnie) Lawrence and Larry (Patricia) Lawrence along with many nieces and nephews and was known as the “cool” Uncle! He also leaves behind his mother-in-law and brother-in-law Carol & Bob Hudacek. His dear Mom, Patricia, whom he really loved went before him. And lastly, his precious furbaby, Pepper, who never left his side, misses him beyond words…….
While Mike’s illness started to take a toll on what activities he could do, he would fill the house with his loud laughter and sense of humor, even up to the end of his amazing life. When he knew his time was limited, he told the nurse that he wanted to live long enough to see the Cleveland Browns go to the Superbowl – that would have given him decades more to live! His Sunday football consisted of constant texts between his brother Jim, and good Friend Mike Furillo. If the Browns were losing, he would change the channel. He always taped the game in case they won, and then would watch it over and over in celebration. If they lost – Delete!
Over the years, he made many amazing friendships that have lasted his lifetime until his passing.
Please remember the good times, the crazy times, the fun and the laughter. Mike lived his life “big” and would want everyone to remember those times.
There was a Celebration of Life, in his honor, on Saturday, January 14th at the Nelson Twp. Community House. His wife and family would like to thank everyone who came to say farewell to Mike and to support the family during this difficult time……….and we sincerely appreciate all of your heartfelt messages, cards and calls. Also a huge thank you to his “brothers” John, Larry & Jeremy Bratnick for playing some of Mike’s favorite songs, which were played throughout the years around the campfire with our Camping Crew Family. Keep your your memories of Mike in your heart with a smile, and not a tear, even though his time on earth was cut short before his story was finished…….
Arrangements were handled by Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062. 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.
