By Dave Dempsey, Flow Senior Advisor
My first memory of my nephew Michael comes from playing peekaboo. Using a toy with a see-through panel, I ducked in and out of view to his appreciative baby laughter. Pretty soon he was pulling the same trick on me. He was a quick learner.
I would think of that simple joy over 20 years later. With his parents, his sister, and my younger brother, I watched Michael’s powerful oration at the graduation ceremony for the School of Urban Planning at the University of Michigan, where he obtained his master’s degree.
The infant with the delighted laugh had grown up to be a leader, a man respected by all of those with whom he had contact, a man determined to make a difference for good in the world. And although his life was tragically far shorter than my family envisioned and desired, Michael did make a difference – a vast one. And he is still making one.
Most recently, the fund, endowed largely by Michael’s estate, generously granted $20,000 to Flow Water Advocates to support a project challenging a talented team of college students to research and propose a strategy to protect Michigan’s groundwater — the source of drinking water for over 4 million Michiganders. Fittingly, the students engaged in the project attend the University of Michigan — specifically, the School of the Environment and Sustainability (SEAS).
The work of the SEAS team is just another example of how Michael’s life continues to benefit the state that cradled him and was his home for the majority of his 33 years. It is also another way in which he is benefiting both the natural environment and the built environment of the pleasant peninsulas.
The Mike Dempsey Memorial Preserve is a 40-acre area adjacent to the West Branch of the Ontonagon River, which flows into the main branch of the Ontonagon River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. [PHOTO: Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy]
Michael also wanted to put his mind and skills to work in other nations. He assisted with planning for change in the metropolis of Abu Dhabi and worked through U.S. AID to facilitate electrification of rural Afghanistan. In each of these and other endeavors, he sought to improve the lives of those he served. His idealism was expressed in deeds, not words alone, and improved many lives.
Michael’s affinity for healthful environments embraced green space, too. He enjoyed the outdoors for recreation and reflection. To express that, the Michael Cameron Dempsey Fund has supported two land conservation projects, including the Mike Dempsey Memorial Preserve, a spectacular 40-acre parcel along the North Country Scenic Trail south of Ontonagon. The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy is steward of the preserve, which offers scenic vistas and a diversity of flora and fauna.
As the Fund’s website says, “Michael was passionate about conservation, about making the world a better place and helping those no matter where they dwell in it. He sought to extend the grace of God to all. Michael could not stand to pass someone in need without lending a helping, gentle hand.”
“We are honored and humbled by this gift from Michael’s memorial fund,” said Flow executive director Liz Kirkwood. “His life and values inspire us to expand his legacy to include protection of our drinking water.”
Michael’s life has sent, and continues to send out ripples of hope. Flow Water Advocates will make sure his fund’s gift will carry on his work.
