A Great Friend is Gone

An icon and “institution” on Lake Wawasee is gone.

The death of Mike Kiley, Kale Island and Marion, came as a shock to many, especially those who had seen him at mass several days prior to his passing.

The Kiley family has lived at the lake for five generations with Mike spending all 73 of his years at the lake.

Dave Brandes, chairman of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, hit the nail on the head in describing this great man, when Kiley was presented with the 2007 WACF Cattail Award.

“Mike is just one of those people that is just bigger than life.”

The history of the lake and area were always a great topic of conversation with the former Marion City Judge and the stories he could tell of growing up and working at Macy’ Slip and Griffith’s Marina could make you roll with laughter.

He served as head of the Natural Resource Commission for 30 years, retiring in 2005. It gave him a “behind the scenes” opportunity to look after the lake he loved. There were many occasions he brought members of that commission to the lake for meetings, making sure they were aware of issues which may come to their attention.

Many times Mike and “Lois Lane” from this publication would discuss background information, discuss clarification of matters in the legal realm whether dealing with politics, government agencies or issues relating to the lake.

He spoke fondly of his time with the Capitol Hill Police Force, during his time at Georgetown University Law School and as an Honor Guard at the Capitol Building when remains of the World War II and Korean Unknown Soldier were laid in state during 1958.

Mike never came to the area without visiting the Syracuse Cafe where he would sit with others to discuss Irish football, issues of the day, matters dealing with the lakes or tell a story or two. The exceptions were the times when “Geep,” short for grandpa, brought in his grandchildren and children. Then we were all honored when he proudly introduced them to his friends.

Kay Young, president of Wawasee Property Owners Association, where Mike was a past board member, summed a comment for this writer and many of his friends. “Mike’s smile, laugh and general uplifting spirit will be missed, I always knew he could be called upon for advice and council. A good friend, not only to Wawasee, has been lost.”