Michael T. Heslip

Michael T. Heslip, age 62, lifelong resident of Northville, passed away January 1, 2023. He was born on February 24, 1960 in Livonia; son of Thomas and Mildred (Jones) Heslip. Michael graduated from Fr. Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor; Class of 1978.

Michael owned and operated the Trading Post on 7 Mile in Northville for many years until he sold it in the late 1980’s.  The clubhouse restaurant at Downing Farms Golf Course was Michael’s next venture where he generously hired siblings, nieces, and nephews and created a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all. Most recently he managed the restaurant at Northville Downs until retiring.

Michael had a love of animals and the outdoors. He owned several trotters over the years that raced at Northville Downs and was so proud to have photos taken with family and friends in the winner’s circle. He enjoyed being outside and took any opportunity he could to either golf or fish.  Driving through the country, he would note the animals he saw and the beauty of a farm or field. One of his favorite spots was on the front porch enjoying quiet moments while watching and identifying birds he assured were always fed.  Any family or friend’s pet quickly learned that with his gentle nature, Michael was good for a treat and excellent company.  Michael adored his nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them, which may have included a typical corny joke or loving tease. Incredibly witty, he had a wonderful sense of humor and could turn anything into a pun.  Any events with his many friends while listening to live music, hitting the dance floor, or playing darts was time well spent. Michael was generous with his excellent kitchen skills and volunteered many holidays cooking and serving meals for those in need. He had a bit of a sweet tooth and was very thoughtful bringing home his favorite ice cream treat or carry out to share with his mom and sister.  Michael was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend; his warmth and smile will be missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his loving mother, Mildred Heslip; his siblings, Kathleen (George) Buckham, Maureen Heslip, Brian (Elizabeth) Heslip, Kevin (Deb) Heslip, Mary (Robert) Martin, Timothy Heslip, and Margaret (Paul) Perry; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Heslip.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr., Northville.  He will be laid to rest in the spring with his father at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Northville Fraternal Order of Eagles 2504 at 113 S. Center Street Northville, MI 48167