George Michael Alsum transitioned out of this physical life surrounded and enveloped in the love of his family in the early hours of Thursday morning, May 15th. Mike is survived by his beautiful wife of 52 years, Esther Mae Alsum (Vis), their 6 children, Amelia, Suzanne Joy, Esther Marie, Rebecca Rebekah, Stephen Michael, and Michael George, his 4 siblings, Pamela, David, Thomas, and Timothy, and 7 grandchildren, Stuart, Russel, Judah, Iris, Timothy, Emory, and Ruben. Preceded in death by his father George, mother Hendrene, and brother Stephen, they welcomed him into their loving arms as his spirit continued its journey. The world could feel and see the love and pain that is felt over his passing as a thunderstorm of near epic proportions hit the Grand Rapids area that night.

Mike was born in 1941 in Randolph, Wisconsin. His gentle, calm nature, quiet wisdom, and steadfast love for family and all living beings contrasted with the world he was born into, but were shaped by the cycles of life on the farm, and the pain of losing his brother and close friend at a young age. Mike did not want to live a life on the farm, although he always remained close to the earth. He attended schooling at Calvin College in Grand Rapids and Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, earning a bachelors and masters in Mathematics. Mike moved to Prospect Park, New Jersey, where he taught at Eastern Christian Middle and High Schools. Mike used his love for people and seeing their growth as he shared the artistry and logic inherent in our natural world through the teaching of mathematics to successive waves of students in an over 40 year career in schooling. As Assistant Principal Mike was also responsible for discipline, and was known for his fairness, for showing grace and understanding, and living by the words 'treat people as you believe they can be, not as they are in the present moment, and you will help them to become that.' Mike was known for recognizing the potential and good in all of us, and helping us each grow to live our most full life in collaboration with others. Central in Mike's life were his brood of 6 children, Kings and Queens of the Earth, and they were his heart. All he ever wanted for Christmas was their love. Mike gave to each of his children, through quiet guidance and mutual respect, a love that was never waning. He taught them each early in life that life is not fair, and we each need to create the world we want to live in around ourselves, that it will not fall into our laps but must be pursued. He allowed the space for his children to be themselves and to make their own decisions, although he did not always agree with them, and determine the course of their own lives. He taught his children to live out their principles and beliefs as a part of the world, thus creating a better one, famously refusing to serve as a church elder until women were at the table. His presence in this world was a gift, and he will be thoroughly missed.

Later in life Mike retired to Grand Rapids, MI. Mike never lost his sense of humor, and ability to take himself lightly. As Mike began progressing in dementia, losing more and more functionality, having to have things done for him, and losing much of the independence he had always prized, he was famously known for one liners such as 'I don't mind having dementia. It's been easy on me', and when there was disagreement or discord, 'I just forget it.'

Mike's life was filled with love, and as such it was not free from pain. He carried it like a champ. He was not free of flaws, but encouraged us all to live a life of tolerance and understanding, but also to pursue injustice with a vengeance. We will continue to carry Mike's spirit and love in our hearts as his body is returned to the earth. He did not care if we lived up to him, but rather that we live up to ourselves, and he loved us each as we are and were, always.

For those who also carry Mike in their heart, a memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Eastern Avenue Church on Wednesday, May 21 at 3pm. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30pm at the church, and a time of celebration and sharing will immediately follow the service.