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Michael Gerald Harrington

Michael Gerald Harrington passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Thursday, November 19 at the University of Kansas Hospital from complications caused by COVID-19.

 

Mike was born on December 18, 1958, in Des Moines, Iowa, the only son of Daniel and Virginia Harrington. Mike grew up in the Des Moines area, graduated from Urbandale High School and later graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Graphic Design. Mike previously lived in Adel, Iowa, where he co-owned Cool Beans Coffee Bar serving as Chief Turkey Roaster, and worked at Meredith Corporation. In 2007, he moved to Kansas City and worked at Hallmark Cards and most recently for Cox Communications.

 

Mike had a remarkably creative mind, a joyful presence, quick wit and a love of animals. One of Mike’s greatest passions was photography. He could often be found behind a camera capturing sights most others might not see. He was a gifted creator and tinkerer, with an ability to craft all things from custom signs, to fabulous cakes, to home improvement projects. He enjoyed going to concerts and movies with his daughter, Kate, and talking photography and DIY projects with his son, Joey. Above everything, he loved his family and friends deeply and always made time to support and help them when they needed it.

 

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Harrington, and his mother, Virginia Harrington (Tilton). He is survived by his wife Tracy McGee-Harrington and two children, Joey Harrington and his wife, Elizabeth and Katie Harrington and her partner, Alex. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Vicki Harrington (Manning), and a loving extended family with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

 

In lieu of a service, the family has decided to plan a celebration of life at a future date. The family suggests donations to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Patients in Need fund at The University of Kansas Health System. Donations can be made payable to The University of Kansas Health System and mailed to Fund Development, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 305, Westwood, KS 66205 or visit https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/giving/donate.
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Phyllis Manning Nov 25, 2020

Friend and "shirt tail" relative ,Des Moines ,Iowa

Mike was one of the "good guys", in a world where they are getting fewer and fewer. He was kind, loving and appreciated his family and friends. He will be missed as long as his name is remembered.

Mary Harrington Nov 25, 2020

Aunt ,Dsm. Iowa ,Iowa

Tracy, Joey, Katie Mike was kind, loving and thoughtful an all around special guy Always had a smile when you saw him. I’m anxious to see him when we all get home where we belong. I love you. Mary Harrington

Jan Manning Nov 25, 2020

Sister in law ,Des Moines ,Iowa

Dear Mike,thanks for all the great memories! I can't watch "Young Frankenstein" without thinking of you and your dad. You were, and are, one of a kind. I love you. Jan

Sara Powell-Moody Nov 25, 2020

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

I am beyond saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. Tracy, your love for Mike was deep and his for you. You guys embodied the best of “for better or worse”, enduring health crisis. I’m just choked up. With sympathy, Sara

Jared Christensen Nov 26, 2020

He was my boss ,West Des Moines ,Iowa

Mike was my first boss. I would not be where I am today if he did not give me a chance. So great full for him. He was always so kind.

Beverly Belieu Nov 26, 2020

Friend / longtime former hairdresser ,West Des Moines ,Iowa

I am so sorry to hear this sad news My memories of Mike are from behind the chair as his hair cutting person while he lived in Iowa . Mike was a friendly, funny, smiling , appreciative , and thoughtful man. I am grateful to have known him , his family and will remember him as that big sweet guy with beautiful silver hair , who gave my job a broader substance. My prayers are with you all who have suffered such great loss.I trust you each have memories to treasure . I especially pray for peace and comfort I know there will be a future day when you can reflect on happier times. May the hope of a new life in Christ bring you in time a new joy and renewed strength Much sympathy and love Bev

Charlotte McAfee Simmons Nov 26, 2020

Friend ,Edwards ,Missouri

I have wonderful memories of spending time at Mike's parents home with his aunt Mary. Mike would have been about 10 at the time and such a good kid. He sounds like he turned out to be a wonderful adult... which is exactly what I would have expected.

Kasey mccurdy Nov 27, 2020

Mike was my first boss at Meredith when I was a fresh-faced 19-year-old intern. He had the big office and got to design all the fun stuff. While my direct reporting to him was only a few months (I can't blame him) my career at Meredith ultimately led me to the love of my life and many many great memories. So thankful to him for giving me an opportunity and believing in me at the very start of my professional career. The world will miss you, mike.

Sandra & Steve Vennerbeck Nov 27, 2020

Friend ,Rogers ,Arkansas

Tracy, With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy we mourn for you over the loss of Mike. He was such a good man. There are no words that can offer you peace at this sad time, but our prayers for you are that God give you strength to get through the coming days. May the wonderful memories you made with Mike ease the pain and may those that surround you now hold you close. I wish we could be there in person, but know we love you and pray for you daily. God be with you always. Steve and Sandra

Steve Burke Nov 29, 2020

My sincerest condolences for your loss.

Luke Mackey Dec 03, 2020

Co-Worker ,Overland park ,Kansas

I worked with mike on and off for my whole time at Cox Automotive. We were even desk neighbors for a bit and there were times i would stay late just so i could talk to him about life. I'm a younger guy, cant do anything around my house and he would always offer advice from how to fix a misaligned door to fixing all the things a home owner would encounter to even life advice. He inspired me in a way not lot of people have, and i will cherish that forever. He will be greatly missed, i am so sorry for your loss. His memory will live on and remain just as incredible as he was.

Jennifer Merrick Dec 24, 2020

Co-worker ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. We worked together at VinSolutions and I loved running into him in the elevator and having a quick 'Mike Talk'. I pray for comfort and peace for Mike's family.