MICHAEL ELMORE

March 6, 1946 - Aug. 24, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Michael "Mike" Elmore Sr., 63, a resident of Gilbert, AZ, passed away on August 24, 2009. Mike was born on March 6, 1946, in South Bend, IN, to William J. and Margaret E. Elmore.

His boyhood years were spent in Clay Township within the shadow of the University of Notre Dame. He constantly tagged along behind his two older brothers, Bill and Dave, who introduced him to every sport imaginable. They also were the spark for igniting his lifelong love affair with the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears, and ND.

His school years were spent at Meadowbrook Elementary, Clay Jr. High and Clay High School. Mike became quite the athlete and was highly competitive. He grew up with a sporting spirit he maintained throughout his life. While at Clay High School, Mike earned seven varsity letters in basketball and track and field. His track and field specialty was the high hurdles, where he set the school record at 110 yards, a record which stood for several years. He graduated from high school in 1964 and shortly afterward enrolled at Indiana University, South Bend, and also served his country by joining the Army Reserves.

In 1968 Mike married Suzanne Hartnett in Coeur d'Alene, ID. They returned to Indiana and moved to Columbus, IN, where Mike was employed within the accounting department at Cummins Engine. During that time, Mike's son, Mike Jr., and daughter, Courtney, were born. In 1974 the family moved to Coeur d'Alene, ID, as Mike became involved with Reid Bros. Oil Company, the Hartnett family business. For the next 20 years he spent every moment of his spare time raising his kids, golfing with family and friends, and spending his summer weekends at the family cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

In 1994 Mike moved back to South Bend and worked as an accountant with Ginger Valley Incorporated. While in South Bend he continued to enjoy and play golf, attend ND sporting events, and renew his old acquaintances. In 2007 Mike fulfilled his dream of living in Arizona by moving to Gilbert, AZ. It gave him the enjoyable opportunity to spend time with his two oldest grandchildren. As a loving grandfather he took an avid interest in all their activities and sporting events.

On August 24th, after a month-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, Mike Elmore Sr. passed away. He is survived by his two children, Mike Elmore Jr. and daughter-in-law, Jennifer of Mesa, AZ, and Courtney Elmore-Sward and son-in-law, Glenn Sward of Downingtown, PA; brothers, Bill Elmore and wife, Sharon of Loudon, TN, and Dave Elmore and wife, Carolyn of Coatesville, PA. Mike also left behind four grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Ralph.

The family will be hosting a memorial celebration in remembrance of his life on September 19, 2009, in Philadelphia. Please visit Mike's memorial at http://michael-elmore-sr.forevermissed.com/ for further information regarding his memorial celebration, to sign the guestbook, and to view his memory page and gallery.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Sep. 1, 2009.

10/04/2022 EJS