Michael Thomas Lawrence

Michael Thomas Lawrence, 21 years old, World traveler and Adventurer, died February 26, 2017 peacefully from complications of diabetes.
He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on September 18, 1995 at 19:50.
He is survived by his parents Joel and Jody Gritter, Uncle Daniel and Aunt Alicia Lawrence along with his Father Michael E. Lawrence and stepmother Denice Lawrence; his brothers and sisters Mitchell, Colin, Grace, Kelly and Olivia; Grandparents Robert and Alice Francisco; Grandfather Tom Spears.
———————————–
Michael had a heart of gold and adventurous soul. He was always helping people whether it was something as simple as defending the weak, helping a crying child, his grandparents getting around, or a stranger in need. Most recently, and even though he considered himself a Buddhist, he was volunteering at the local church and food pantry. His heart was always in the service of others; helping or calming them during times of pain.
Although his life was short, he lived and experienced more in his time than many experience in a lifetime. He had a chance to live and go to school in 3 countries: the United States; Germany for 2 years; and Vietnam for 2 years. He also visited more than 10 countries including Spain, Belgium, Poland, Jordan, Switzerland, Austria, France, Cambodia and Thailand. He loved to travel, meet new people, and learn about other cultures. He judged people by their character, actions, and what was in their heart. He was the first person in a group to tell a joke to cheer people up and the first person to jump in when everyone else was afraid.

Vietnam was a special place to Michael; he often shared his many good memories of his time there and all of the people with whom he lived and worked. Whether he was working at the newspaper, being the restaurant host to English speaking patrons, or traveling around on his scooter, Michael had a special place in his heart for this time in his life.

Michael will be missed in this life.