May 1 1947 July 20 2020
Michael John Hennessy, aged 73 of Sherwood, Oregon, passed unexpectedly on July 20th due to complications from surgery. Mike was born on May 1st, 1947 in Sitka, Territory of Alaska, just 8 months after the birth of his “Irish Twin”, Mitch. At the age of 2 the family settled in the Portland area, where he had a wonderful childhood growing up in a family of 6 children and surrounded by many adventures and very special family friends, the Graf family. He graduated from Estacada High School, class of 1965. In 1967 he entered the Jesuit Seminary intending to become a priest following in the footsteps of his oldest brother Jave. Mike’s life diverted from that path and that worked out pretty great for Shirlene. He met Shirlene, in September 1970. They would go on to be married on November 6, 1971. Shortly after their marriage, in 1972 they left Oregon for Fond du Lac, Wisconsin for new adventures and new opportunities where they would remain for 24 years raising 3 wonderful children that he loved very much. He worked as a pressman, operating a large printing press for much of his career. In 1996, they decided to return to Oregon, settling in Oregon City, where Mike continued on as a pressmen, along with doing graphic design work until his retirement. After retiring, they moved to Sherwood, Oregon, in 2013 allowing Mike to be close to his only Grandson, whom he adored spending time with. Mike had five loves: his love of God, love of family, love of music, love of being Irish and love of football. Mike was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame. He was an even bigger fan of watching football each season with his son and watching his grandson take the field. Mike’s love of music was an integral part of who he was. He instilled that love of music in his children. Seeing Peter, Paul & Mary, with his two daughters was a really special moment for them. He was also quick to provide Simon & Garfunkel trivia facts… “hey, did you know “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was written on a napkin?”, Mike would say, and his children would groan and laugh…“yes dad, we know”. Mike was a giver and he was always there for anyone in need, he was willing to listen, to brighten your day with his infectious smile or wound himself on home improvement projects. He had a wonderful wit about him and brought joy to any room he entered. You were never a stranger for long in the presence of Mike Hennessy and he left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirlene, son Brian and wife Mary, daughter Anna and husband Randy Fischer, daughter Angie and husband David Sookdeo, his two favorite grandchildren Liam Hennessy and Emily Sookdeo, sister-in-law Anna Marie, sister-in-law Kathy, brother-in-law Curtis Watts, brothers Denny and his wife Marie, Tim and his wife Katie, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis Hennessy and Mildred Rehberg Hennessy Wright, and his older siblings, brothers John Vincent (Jave) and Robert (Bob), and sister Michelle (Mitch) Watts. In lieu of flowers, Mike would love for you to lift two-fingers of Jameson “and drink a health whate’er befalls” while listening to a few Irish jigs and reels. His family finds comfort in knowing he is with our Lord and Savior and he would want you to feel that same comfort.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael John Hennessy May 1 1947 July 20 2020.
Attrell’s Newberg Funeral Chapel
Death notice for the town of: Newberg, state: Oregon