Michael Allen Dowidait, beloved brother of Roger (Heidi) Dowidait, Ami (Jerry) Seal, and loving uncle of Maizi, Zane, and Cassidy Seal, has passed away peacefully at the age of 55.

Michael was a graduate of Garden City East High School in 1984, where he won the Presidential Fitness Award, and enjoyed walking across the street to Villa Bakery daily during lunch. Mike was the second of three children, but also brother to dozens of foster children his family took care of. He was well-liked at school and in the neighborhood, often having friends over to play games and listen to music. He had an impressive record collection, and attended many rock concerts growing up. He was very proud to have caught one of Eddie Van Halen's guitar picks when he flew across the stage at Cobo Hall suspended by a harness.

Mike was bright, daring, and physically strong. He was quite competitive, a fast runner, and lifted weights in his free time. He is most remembered for doing handstands upon the highest branches of the willow trees in the yard, and for having seemingly no fear of heights. He loved racing his minibike around the yard, wildly pulling Ami around in her wagon with it. While in high school, Mike and his best friend Paul rode their bicycles from Garden City all the way to the Renaissance Center in Detroit, approximately 35 miles round-trip. He was adventurous, and always loved a challenge. He also loved animals, particularly dogs. He was especially fond of his Great Dane Roscoe, who he had purchased for the family for Christmas in 1984 with his own money.

Mike was mechanically-inclined and could repair cars at a young age. He loved to pick up his little sister from school in his Mustang and show off his car. From a young age, he believed in working hard and saving money. Among other jobs, he had a paper route before finding employment working for a friend of the family's construction company. There he learned how to install drop ceilings and eventually installed his own bedroom ceiling and lighting at the age of 17.

Sadly, at the age of 18 Mike sustained a traumatic brain injury as a passenger in an automobile accident. He spent the rest of his life suffering from complications of this brain injury, including seizures, strokes, and a multitude of illnesses and infections. He is now at peace and is finally free from all pain.

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved father Roger Lee Dowidait, beloved mother Sybil Lee Dowidait-Parchman, and loving stepfather, Everett Parchman.

Memorial Visitation Saturday 1:30 pm until the 4 pm Memorial Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Michael's family suggests that donations be made in his name to the rehabilitation center that provided excellent care and compassion for him, as well as support to his family for the last two years of his life.

Special Tree: NeuroCare Center www.specialtree.com

Alternately, donations made to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan www.biami.org

Angela Hospice www.angelahospice.org would be appreciated as well.