Obituary: Michael King, 1973-2018 

• Michael King

Michael King, 44, of Essex Junction, Vt., died peacefully on Thursday, February 1, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Montpelier, Vt., on August 9, 1973, when his father, Donald, was teaching at Union Elementary School. When Michael was 1, his family returned to New Jersey, where he lived in Chatham and Florham Park. He had very fond memories of traveling around town on his bicycle having wonderful adventures. He adored his grandfather, Dr. Charles Thomas King, who was a loving inspiration to him throughout his life. His family returned to Montpelier when he was 11. He pursued vocational studies until he discovered Landmark College. Landmark was able to give him the tools he needed to achieve academically — in great part due to the generous scholarship from Jorge Arellano, who was a mentor and guide to Michael. He then pursued his BS at Lyndon State College.

Michael worked in the communications field, then spent much of his adult life working in the insurance industry. His last and favorite job was working for Heritage Automotive as an estimator. When he was no longer able to work due to his disabling metastatic cancer, he began volunteering for the 501st Legion, dressing as an imperial gunner; and volunteering for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visiting children at the Vermont Children's Hospital. Michael was a very thoughtful man who loved helping others. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Michael is survived by his wife, Catherine, and his son, Lucas. He is also survived by his mother and father, Ellen and Don King of Gulfport, Fla., and his in-laws, whom he lovingly called Mom and Dad, Marsha and Mark Lang of Montpelier, Vt. He is survived by his siblings: Charles Thomas King II and his fiancée, Annie Donnelly, of Lake Worth, Fla.; Christopher and Josie Lang of Essex, Vt.; Robyn King and her companion, Ryan Schauer, of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Elizabeth Lang and her fiancé, Ryan Mitofsky, of Essex, Vt. Michael is also survived by his niece and nephew, Zoe and Benjamin Lang of Essex, Vt., whom he loved very much.

The family cannot express their gratefulness for the love and support of friends and coworkers who have cared and helped out along this journey. The family would like to thank Seth Anderson, RN; Amy Fox, APRN; and Dr. Dennis Sanders for their kindness and care during Michael's long illness. If you would like to do something in Michael's honor, please consider donating to the Vermont Children's Hospital.

There will be a mass celebrating Michael's life at Holy Family Church on Monday, February 5, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Visiting hours for Michael will be on Sunday, February 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ready Funeral Home, Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Dr., Essex Junction, VT.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit readyfuneral.com.