Michael "Mike" Banks' Obituary
Michael “Mike” Banks, age 62, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. He was born August 13, 1954 in Chicago, IL to Monty and Florence Banks. He moved to Florida in the mid-seventy’s where he met, married, and made his life with his wife of 40 years, Georgina. Together they moved to Gainesville where they raised a daughter and son, Melanie Hellenthal and Jeffrey Banks. Since then, other additions to the family have been made; his son-in-law, Fred Hellenthal, Jr. and his grandsons, Wesley (3) and Ashton (6 months). Michael, or Mike as he was known by most, was an exceptional human being. His kindness, generous spirit and love for his family are only beginning of who he was. He was a supportive, loving husband and best friend to Georgina through all of life’s challenges and wondrous moments. He was an amazing father to his children whom he loved unconditionally and without pause. Moving mountains for their happiness and protection was always his first priority. In addition to his devotion to his family, he had a love for all things Florida Gators sports, where he was often found in attendance at a Football or Basketball game in Gainesville and on the road. He liked to be in the know and avidly kept abreast of current events, always weighing in on the solutions for the world's problems. He enjoyed music of all variety, playing drums in a band as a younger man. He welcomed new experiences and traveled throughout the States and Canada, his wife’s home country. He was a guiding light at North Florida Regional Medical Center for 38 years, where he obtained an RN license and led a caring staff as the Manager and then Director of the Endoscopy Center for much of that time. Mike was a person who thought nothing of providing support, counseling, or a friendly ear to those close to him and part of his every day. This spirit radiated throughout his life in his work and the program he helped to develop. As well as in his children who strived to make him proud and emulate his best qualities. In recent years, Mike came to know his grandchildren who were his ultimate joy and looking forward to the future towards retirement, settling at the beach with Georgina. He will be missed more than words can ever express.
A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to the American Heart Association, 3324 W. University Avenue, #128, Gainesville, FL 32607.
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