Michael Alfred Garkovich

Michael Alfred Garkovich, died on November 12, 2023 at the age of 79. Born in New York City on October 1, 1944, he found his forever home here in Kentucky in 1999. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Janice Carroll Garkovich; his sister Lorraine (Lori) Garkovich. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Francis. He also is survived by his 4 daughters: Elizabeth Busker (Christian) of Houston TX; Jill Brackin (Scottie) of Arlington, TN; and Krysten Funk (Andrew, dec.) and Kira Woodard (Isaac) of Houston Texas; as well as his greatest blessings who called him Grandpa – Jessica, Katherine Elizabeth, Sarah, Hunter, Ruby Ann, Mary Frances, and John Laurence. Zeke and Boomer, his furry 4-legged best buddies will miss their “papa,” as he missed his furry friends who came before them. A man with a strong sense of fairness he was also complicated - kind, generous, sometimes and maybe frequently irritating, often wryly humorous with a satirist’s view of life, an accomplished advocate for those who would prosper from having one, yet he had little tolerance for fools. His eclectic choice in music from Drop Kick Murphy to Conway Twitty surprised and appalled many. For Mike, every kind of news was food for the mind and online aggregators as essential for life as his dark 70% cacao chocolate bars. He enjoyed sparking debates over political trends, public policies, cultural trends or most any idea to stimulate the exploration of each from multiple perspectives. He found his path to his higher power 45 years ago, and he has been a mentor, seasoned with life’s wisdom for countless others. A true servant leader, Mike was twice elected President of CWA Local 3372; volunteered as a CASA advocate; served as Treasurer and a volunteer driver for Woodford Wheels; and faithfully contributed his talents to many other organizations. A frequent guest on Jack Patty’s radio program two decades ago, his pleasure in the point-counterpoint discussions on civic issues showed he would have thrived in the days of town hall meetings. Multifaceted in all his interests, intellectually inquisitive with a sly sense of humor, Mike was quite simply brilliant. But his greatest delight and deepest gratitude came from his years in Versailles where he rediscovered the wonders of family and friends; and ours came from the treasure of knowing and loving him. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to either CASA of Lexington by mail to 3245 Loch Ness Dr. Lexington, KY 40517 or at https://casaoflexington.org/ or to Hospice of the Bluegrass at 1733 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington KY 40504 by mail or at https://www.bgcarenav.org/give A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18 from 2 to 5 pm at Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing.