Obituary of Michael Patrick Ordway

NORTH CREEK: Michael Patrick Ordway, ended a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on March 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 

Mike was born on October 18, 1956 to the late James T. Ordway and Jean Alice (Roblee) Ordway.  He lived his entire rambunctious life in North Creek, NY, where he attended Johnsburg Central School followed by Adirondack Community College. On September 26, 1981 Mike married his best friend and love of his life Rose-Marie Sargent. Mike was always busy building something for Rose and depended on her to keep him busy. Together they raised their 4 children with great attention to the outdoors and athletics. He could always be seen and heard shouting encouraging words from the sidelines as the kids grew up. The family home and camp served year-round as an open door gathering place for family, friends, and friends of his children. Mike was proud of his children and grandkids and enjoyed sharing stories about them. His family knew him to have a passion for historical facts, geography, and knowledge of the various subjects that came up. His sense of humor and positive outlook on the life that he enjoyed with his wife will be treasured. 

 

Mike was a “jack of all trades.” He retired from Johnsburg Central School as Head Custodian and Transportation. His prior work experiences included Lincoln Logs, Delaware and Hudson Railroad, Grand Union, Gore Mt. Ski Center, and privately in construction work along with John Pellat and Keith Merrill. 

 

Mike had the ability to go anywhere and make a new friend or somehow find an old one in an unexpected place. He enjoyed waking early every morning and keeping busy with plowing, mowing, raking, trimming trees and carpentry. He also enjoyed spending time at the lake with extended family and especially his “little brother Larry.” During his leisure time he was a voracious reader and loved watching documentaries on historical events, trivia, western and NCIS type shows. Mike was known to be a true dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan through thick and thin and enjoyed any animal that loved to be pet. He served as a firefighter and commissioner for the North Creek Fire Department. For many years he coached the Tigers Little League team. Being always out and about he willingly gave a helping hand to those in need. He was able to always come up with a witty wise crack to lighten any type of situation.

 

Mike was predeceased by his parents: James and Jean Ordway; sister: Mary Lou (Ordway) VanBuren; granddaughter: Stella Marie Ordway; father-in-law: Rodney Sargent; and step father-in-law: Robert Wiedeman.

 

Mike is survived by his wife: Rose-Marie (Sargent) Ordway; children: Ryan (Dana) Ordway, Matthew (Shannon) Ordway, Katherine (Chad) Lewis, Allison (Ryan) Heffernan; grandchildren: Liam Turnbull, Quinn and Cecilia Ordway, Ellie Ordway, Griffin, Bodhi and Wesley Lewis, and Hadley and Heidi Heffernan; mother-in-law: Nan F. Sargent; brothers: Tim (Millie) Ordway and Tom (Patty) Ordway; brothers-in-law: Hank (Wendy) Sargent and Ralph (Mary Lou) VanBuren; sisters-in-law: Debra (Carl) DeSantis and Anne (Larry) Nelson; along with many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

 

As an expression of sympathy and to celebrate Mike’s life, memorial contributions may be sent to the North Creek Fire Company at PO Box 134, North Creek, NY 12853.  

 

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.