Michael Millar Obituary

Michael Thomas Millar

Michael Thomas Millar, 51, left his earthly home Monday, July 31, 2023, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to enter his heavenly home.

He was born March 1, 1972, in Lansing, Michigan, to John and Joyce Millar currently of Tiffin. Michael lived in Michigan, Olympia, Washington, Erie, Pennsylvania, and Tiffin. He traveled extensively to Europe, South America, and Central America. He attended Columbian High School in Tiffin where he lettered in soccer and wrestling, was captain of the soccer team, and two-time MVP. Michael loved to write poetry and short stories. In addition, he had a beautiful singing voice, performed with Choristers and sang with the 4 M's quartet in school and nursing homes.

He worked during the summers for Department of Human Services and the Courts, doing interpretation for the migrant workers in court. Michael attended Denison University where he majored in Spanish and Education, graduating with honors. During that time, he spent a year studying in Spain living with a Spanish family. Upon graduation, he was accepted in University of Michigan's master's program and received his Doctorate as well with concentration in Central American Studies.

During his time at Michigan, he served as a teaching fellow and was honored to receive an award from the university for his teaching abilities. It was there at University of Michigan that he met the love of his life and soon-to-be wife, Katherine Smith. They married in 1997 and later divorced in 2022. After graduating with his doctorate, he got a position at Western Michigan University where he remained a professor in the Department of Spanish until his death.

While at Western Michigan, he started many new programs such as a service learning program where students work with community organizations, a study abroad program in Costa Rica, and also brought to campus and entertained Noble Peace Prize winners when they came to Kalamazoo for Peace Jam. Michael had two children and whether coaching soccer or attending every game and musical event, he was always there to support his family with love and dedication.

He had a great love for the outdoors, enjoying fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, and going to the New Jersey shore every summer where he made amazing sculptures in the sand. He was an avid fly fisherman and tied his own flies. Michael was able to fulfill a childhood dream of catching a marlin last December.

Michael was the very proud and devoted father of two children, Marysol Millar and Keenan Millar of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and they survive. Michael's other survivors include his parents, John and Joyce Millar of Tiffin; beloved brother, Stephen Millar and sister-in-law, Kim, of Elyria; nephew, Taylor (McKenzie) Millar of North Ridgeville; niece, Emily (Ryan) Medves of Lorain; former spouse, Katherine Millar of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and several other cousins, nieces, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold (Mickey) Vickers and Lillian Vickers; paternal grandparents, Rev. William and Kathryn Millar; and uncle, Tracy Millar.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 269-375-2900.

Michael's memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The service will be recorded and live-streamed.

Visit Mike's webpage at https://betzlerlifestory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook.

Memorial contributions may be made to Western Michigan University, Department of Spanish to establish the "PROFESSOR MICHAEL MILLAR SCHOLARSHIP." Please note on your contribution that it is to be designated for the Professor Michael Millar Scholarship.