Michael J. Fording

Mike Fording, 46 of Concord Township, passed away at home, on November 26, 2023, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Mike showed incredible courage facing life challenges with a smile, a few choice words, and his usual goofy jokes. Despite the pain, Mike stayed strong and positive until the end.

Mike was born to Thomas and Donna Fording on September 19, 1977, and had a great young life with his older brother, Tom and younger brother, Mark. After graduating from Euclid High School in 1995, Mike went on to pursue a career in Education, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Cleveland State University, his Master’s degree in curriculum, instruction and assessment and his Educational Administration license. Over his 24 years in education, Mike worked in the Euclid City School District, the Garfield Heights City School District, and most recently in the South Euclid Lyndhurst City School District where he very proudly served as the Principal of Brush High School.

Mike met and married the love of his life and best friend, Melissa, and together they raised four wonderful daughters, Meghan, Amanda, Emily, and Madelyn. Mike was always so proud of his girls and loved them greater than he ever imagined possible. While he hoped to have much more time with his family, he was beyond grateful for the time they had, the bond they shared and the significant impact he had on their lives and their impact on his. To his girl’s…no matter where we are, “We’ll always have each other”. You were the greatest joys of his life.

In his professional life, Mike accomplished many things, but he was most proud of his work at Brush High School, his students, and his staff. Despite his illness, Mike’s dedication never wavered as he continued to work, focused on meeting his goals and supporting his students and staff who he considered to be his extended family. It truly takes all of BrUSh!

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; children, Meghan (Andrew) Voepel, Amanda, Emily, and Madelyn; First grandchild, baby Voepel, due in June; parents, Thomas Jr. and Donna Fording; brother, Tom Fording III (fiancé, Ali), niece Mikayla and nephew Jaxson; and brother, Mark (Elizabeth) Fording. As well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and many great friends who were truly family, most notably, “The Band”.

He is also survived by his beloved Rottweiler’s, Jersey and Nola and three felines, CopyCat, Max and Noodle. He is probably on a long walk now with his Swissies; Roscoe, Clyde, Candy, and Tina, who went before him, or giving special treats to his cat, Onyx.

Mike is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, Aunt AJ, Uncle Fred, and father-in-law, Bill Wholf.

The family is beyond grateful for the support and love from his Brush Family and all the staff at the South Euclid Lyndhurst School District, Dr. Linda Reid, Dom Kaple, Joe Nicklos, the Mentor Exempted Village School District and Dr. Neil Brofman. The family is also grateful for the excellent care Mike received from Dr. J. Eva Selfridge, the Seidman Cancer Center 4th Floor nursing staff and the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Mike was an inspiration to so many. He was kind, compassionate and generous. He was the most selfless man, always more concerned about others before himself.

Mike will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, for his strength and courage, for his commitment to his work and his students, for his sense of humor and cool dance moves, and for perfectly balancing his jokes with being the most caring, comforting person. He will be desperately missed every moment of every day by those who loved him, but he will live on in our hearts for eternity. “We’ll be alright.”

“Be kind, work hard, and always be a good person.” We got you, babe!

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mike at DeJohn Funeral Homes & Celebrations Center, 12811 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026 (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 12:00pm-4:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 4pm.

Memorial donations may be made here

Watch: Family eulogies honoring Mike

Watch: Mike and his ladies