Michael S Bashaw

Michael Scott Bashaw, 38, of Banks Township, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 10, 2024. He was born on October 22, 1986, in Newburyport, MA, the son of Charles and Jean (Jancewicz) Bashaw.

Mike graduated from high school in Massachusetts and enlisted in the United States Navy, ultimately serving for six years, as a Naval Air Crewman Mechanical First Class. Following his honorable discharge, he studied Environmental Science from Sierra Nevada University. He worked for several years as a marine electrician in Maine, a job which he loved. In 2020, he moved to Northern Michigan with his family and worked in airfield operations at the Air Force base in Grayling. Mike was raised in the catholic church and regularly attended mass at Christ the King in Acme as well as Sacred Heart in Elk Rapids.

Mike loved to spend time outdoors. One of his favorite things to do was whitewater rafting and kayaking. If he wasn’t on the river, he simply enjoyed spending time on the boat any chance he could. When he lived on the East Coast, he made many memories ocean fishing, lobstering, and scuba diving with his dad and brothers. Once he settled in Michigan, he traded the deep sea for fresh water inland lakes on his smaller fishing boat. He was also an avid deer hunter and preferred using a bow over a rifle. He shared his hobbies with his daughters, often bringing them along to go fishing and hunting with him. Mike also had an artistic side; he was a gifted photographer of God’s creation and a skilled wood carver.

On July 4th, 2015, in Portland, ME, Mike met his future wife, Jennifer Rudnick, who survives. Also surviving are his dear daughters, Emma and McKayla; three brothers, Joe (Bettina Calaba) Bashaw, Corey (Talita Lima) Bashaw, and Mark (Olyia) Bashaw; and his sister, Melissa (Mike) Pescatore. Also, many nieces, nephews, and in-laws who adored him. 

A funeral mass will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids with Fr. Jarvis officiating. Military Honors will be immediately following.  Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of service.  For those unable to attend in person, mass will be livestreamed via the church's website: https://sacredheartelkrapids.org/

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elk Rapids AMVETS Post 114, PO Box 144, Elk Rapids, MI 49629.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com