Michael J. McGowan, 66; beloved husband of Sheryl nee Lane; loving father of Bobby; dear brother of Mary Kay (Frank Klock) McGowan-Klock, Tom (Monica), Joan Roman, Pat (Christina), Maggie (dec. John Mannion), and the late Eugene; fond uncle of many; Funeral Saturday morning from Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W Irving Park Rd (1/2 block east of Austin) to Immaculate Conception Church (Harlem & Talcott). Mass 10am. Interment Union Ridge Cemetery. Visitation Friday 3-8pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Global Albinism Alliance. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com.
Mike had a long career working for the Circuit Court of Cook County. After he retired, he devoted his time to volunteering with NOAH, his local food pantry, Ronald McDonald House, and the Global Albinism Alliance. He was tireless. He loved the White Sox and enjoyed many years as a partial season ticket holder.
But above all else, Mike loved his family and his friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Sheri, I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was taken much too young.
Ruth Fink
My most sincere condolences. I worked with him at the Global Albinism Alliance.
Isaac Mwaura Kenya
Sheri and Bobby,
There are no words to describe how much love and admiration I have for Mikey. He made such a profound difference in my life in so many ways. My mentor, friend, voice of reason in very troubled times and one of the people who made me love myself. Prior to NOAH and a small group of “old timers” I did not want to live. I felt worthless and a burden. Mike was in that group. He gave me an example to live by. He showed me that having a beautiful family, successful career and rewarding life were indeed possible. He pushed me to be better, always. Thank you both for sharing him with so many of us over his many years of selfless service to NOAH and the albinism community.
With love,
Tracie Vidrine
Mike’s legacy in the American and later global albinism movement is massive. Many people with albinism, born and yet unborn, will benefit from his tireless work for them. We are very grateful Mike. Rest in Peace.
Dear Sheri and Bobby,
I am deeply saddened for you and want you to know that Mike meant a great deal to the HPS Network. He was a remarkable man, whose compassion and support made a lasting impact on our community. His kindness and dedication will forever be remembered and cherished. He always advocated for us, attended our conferences, donated to our programs, and guided me for decades. With our sincere sympathy, Donna Appell and Ashley
Dear Sheri and Family….
I worked with Mike at the Circuit Court, in the MIS Division, for many years, until he moved on to the Chief Judges Office.
I used to call him “My little Polar Bear”. He was such a sweet guy.
I admired his drive and determination to move forward and never allow his disability to hold him back.
He was level-headed, intelligent, quick witted and always had a smile and laugh to share. He was a good, good man.
Know that I share your loss. You, and your son, have my deepest condolences. I pray that God grant you peace, comfort and strength during this, most difficult time and that you find joy in the memories you shared with him and keep close in your heart and mind.
Mildred ‘Millie’ Agosto
Sheri, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Mike was an amazing man and very helpful in my career. After retirement, we lost touch, but I was amazed to run into him at Denny and Shawna’s wedding, small world. Bridget White
My your soul rest in peace.
Sheryl –
I was so sorry and heartbroken to hear of Mike’s passing. Even though I haven’t been able to share time with Mike and his family in recent years due to my own health issues, Mike is a person that when you met him and got to know him, you never forgot him. I met him through Mo while they were at Loyola. Sheryl and Bobby, you shared your lives with a wonderful person.
With my respect,
Vivian Dybicz Swibel
I am very sorry to hear. I knew Mike back in college and then around work. Very nice guy, not a bad word for anyone. God bless all of you and himself. ♥️🙏🍀
As an albinism researcher and physician, I worked with Mike many years in his capacity at NOAH. He was a fantastic leader, a visionary. His voice will be very much missed in the community and by me personality. My thoughts and prayers for his loved ones during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our eldest son was born with Albinism. Through Mike’s leadership and dedication to NOAH, our family received both support and advocacy. Please know Mike holds a special place in our hearts. With deepest condolences, The Loomis Family – Brian, Erica, William and Madeleine
I am devastated to hear of your family’s loss. I knew Mike in the earlier days of NOAH. I remember him as kind, compassionate, funny, and profoundly intelligent . He was such a good soul. My deepest condolences.
Sheri, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike was not just a very good friend but also a mentor to me, especially during the founding of the Albinism Association in Türkiye. We also had the privilege of working together at the Global Alliance. He will always be remembered for his humble personality, his warmth, and his approachable nature. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, beautiful soul.
Dear Mike’s Family
My sincere sympathy to all of you in your great loss. I have been a member of NOAH for many years. As a person with albinism, it seems to me Mike was always there for us working on our behalf. His photo was in just about every Albinism Insight magazine doing something to forward albinism for our benefit and others who knew nothing about albinism. Go forward Mike with Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and keep spreading the word.
Virginia Clark, NOAH member
Reston Virginia
Mike was a wonderful man and so blessed to have him lead the Albinism community for so many years. We are truly blessed to have known him and thankful for his service and joy for life. May his family take solace in the legacy he leaves and a thank you from all the families he served. He was a true pioneer. Again thank you. Mary Anne Wender and family.
Sheri and Bobby,
I remember the first time Mike came to a NOAH Board of Directors meeting. I was President and he was a breath of fresh air with a new idea of having annual fundraisers. He was always a voice of reason and a highly valued member of the Board after that. When I talked to him about being the next President, he told me he did not have the vision I had for the future of NOAH. He did have trmendous vision for NOAH after all and that showed in numerous ways. I will always miss him and will be forever thankful for his vision to carry NOAH forward for many years. He truly believed in “giving back.”
There are no words to express sadness about Mike’s death and his passing is a huge loss to the albinism community. I value as a dear friend and will miss his diplomatic yet no nonsense approach, wisdom and kindness.
From Shari Parker and family in Australia
I am heartbroken to hear this news and sending my deepest sympathy to his family. Mike was such a light in the albinism community and a gift to us all. I’ll never forget his warmth and care when I met him at conferences as a scared new mom. May his family feel surrounded by the love he has shown so many people around the world.
Sheri and Bobby, Mike was the best friend anyone could ever have. What’s so amazing is not how many friends he had, but that so many considered Mike one of their best friends. He made everyone he was with feel special- despite his poor eyesight he could see the good in all of us. In our last conversation, Mike said that with luck he would be able to sing a few carols at Christmas. Mike will be singing, and the angels will be joining in! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck and Phyllis
To the McGowan Family: May you take some comfort in the memory of a life well lived. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Paul & Ellen Draths
Dear Sheri and Family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family as you grieve the loss of your LOVED one. I only met Mike one time at one of our Agency dinners but was immediately aware of his warmth and humor. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Sincerely, Trudi
Mike’s wisdom, kindness, wit and tenacity will continue to shine. He visited our Australian albinism conference a few years ago, and through NOAH and then the GAA, my respect for him and the value of his friendship grew. He will be missed. Condolences to you all.
Sherri and Bobby,
We are sending our deepest condolences and prayers. Mike was definitely a beacon of hope and joy in helping us learn about Albinism. He was our first point of contact for NOAH and he talked with me on the phone for an hour. Warming my heart and giving me insight, encouragement, and advice on new parent to a child with Albinism was truly a God send. Mike and I spoke as though we had known each other well, but had never seen each other before. His humble, gentle and kind nature made us join NOAH 13 years ago. Leading by example and dedication he attended our first Bowl a Thon in a support role for a young family totally new to the albinism community. We’ll always remember Mike’s unwavering dedication to NOAH as his tireless work have paved the way for our son and family. He will definitely be missed in the physical world, but his legacy lives. We are forever grateful for Mike McGowan and thank you Sherri and Bobby for sharing him with us. God bless.
Rest in Heaven Mike!
❤️The Kidd Family
(Julian, Tikia, Korryn, JAK)