"Mary: Our mutual friend, Nancy M., told me of Mike's passing. Please accept our sincere, heartfelt sympathies and prayers. May you and your beautiful boys find comfort and peace in your time of great sorrow. God Bless...Fondly, Judy and Bruce Rigsbee "
In loving memory of
Michael Brooks Lakin
January 7, 1959 - January 2, 2014
Michael Brooks Lakin, 54, of Carmel, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, January 2nd, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospital.
Michael was born January 7, 1959 in Syracuse, NY to Geraldine Kirtley Lakin and the late L. Brooks Lakin. Mike graduated from The Park School in Baltimore, Maryland in 1977 and from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business with a degree in economics in 1981. While at Penn, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and played on the Penn Lacrosse team. He earned an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business in 1983.
Mike was a 30 year employee of Eli Lilly working primarily in the Human Resources Department. Mike had many valued and caring coworkers and friends during his 30 years of service at Lilly.
During his first year working for Lilly in sales in Cleveland, Ohio, he met his wife Mary and they married in 1986. Throughout their 27 years of marriage they enjoyed traveling, trying out new restaurants and attending any sporting event but especially enjoyed family time with their sons Steven (23) and Danny (20).
Mike was so proud of his boys and fully supported their varied interests throughout the years. He also loved music and was a self-taught guitarist, both acoustic and electric, which he seemed to pass on to his sons.
He was a lifelong sports fan who loved the Indianapolis (and Baltimore) Colts, the Baltimore Orioles and Duke basketball and lacrosse. He also enjoyed coaching the Carmel Lacrosse team. He had a passion for cooking for friends, family and coworkers and hosted many wonderful meals at our Lakin Family beach trip to the Outer Banks each year.
Though he grew up in a "dog family" he agreed to adopt two cats: Ty and Picasso and became very attached to them-even though he didn't think he was a "cat person".
His family will always remember his great sense of humor - he could find a goofy way to make everyone laugh no matter the circumstances. He was a loving and special person who will be forever missed.
He was preceded in death by his father L. Brooks Lakin and is survived by: his wife, Mary, sons Steven and Danny, mother Geraldine Lakin, sisters Laurie Veasey (Lee), Kim Eysaman (Keith), mother and father in-law Marianne and Frank Heredos, brother and sister-in-laws Jim Heredos (Trish), Kathy Formby (Scott), Sue Poucher (Ted), Laura Rogers, Eric Heredos; nieces and nephews Michael, Morgan and Matthew Veasey, Spencer and Parker Eysaman, Rosemary, Sam, Jonathan and Daniel Heredos, Jake, Nate, Zak and Liz Poucher, and Mitch, Max and Jack Rogers..
Family would like to thank the nurses and physicians at St Vincent ICU for their caring support the last three weeks, especially nurses Bekey, Lesley, Sarah and Ann.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Hamilton County, 1721 Pleasant Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060 or online at www.hamiltonhumane.com.
A service will be held on Friday January 10th at 2:00 with a celebration of life gathering from 3:00 - 5:00, both at Leppert Mortuary, 900 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel IN 46032. For online condolences or memories, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.
Tributes
"Geri, Laurie, Kim, and all of Mike's family; I am so saddened at the loss of Mike. He obviously continued to enrich the lives of others after the Park School years. I cried when I saw the news yesterday. May you be comforted by the loves in your lives and the many special memories of Mike. He was a bright star."
"Dear Mary, Steven and Danny, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband/father. David recalls Mike always being so approachable and always feeling welcome in your home."
"To Mikes Family, I was a class mate of Michael's at Park School from the second grade on; he was a very special friend throughout my years there. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Dear Mary, Steven, and Danny, We were deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing! We both have such great memories of talking to him in the neighborhood on the weekends for so many years. Whether it was about sports, the weather, our pets, or many other topics in general, we just enjoyed chatting with him so often. Please know how much we are thinking of you all! Steve and Nancy Kellam "
"The Lakins were on assignment from Eli Lilly to Puerto Rico at the same time were were (1998-1993 time frame). They lived across the street from us. I believe they had their first baby in the hospital in San Juan. Very nice people, socially and professionally. Really sorry for your loss. Steve Hollinden"
"My sincerest condolences to your family. Mike and I worked together in IndyDry. As a new supervisor, he was a valued advisor and friend. He also had a great sense of humor and we shared many laughs together. I'll miss you Mike."
"Geri, We are shocked and saddened by the news about Michael. We have very fond memories of him and extend to you and his family our deepest sympathy.."
"We are blessed to know Kim and Keith and their boys through travel sports teams in Maryland. We want them and their family to know that we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. "
"We are blessed to know Kim and Keith and their boys through travel sports teams in Maryland. We want them and their family to know that we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. "
"To the Lakins: I have known Mike for years at Lilly and have had the pleasure of working next to him for a number of years. His smile, humor, and fabulous BBQ was all part of who he was. He loved to share his talents which is so admirable. Seeing his desk chair unoccupied is a tough void for me. I can't even imagine the void you must be feeling. May you know Mike will be missed much, as words can't describe the emptiness. May you feel God's hand walking with you during this very tough, unexpected time."
"Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, So loved, so missed, so very dear. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart. Happy Birthday Big Brother Give hugs to Daddy for me I love you and miss you already.... Stay Strong Mary and Mom-we will be there soon to help you through."
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a class mate of Michaels in High School. We played soccer, basketball, lacrosse and whatever else we could jump into for fun. The news brings tears to my eyes. He was a special man in so many ways. "
"Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Mike was a wonderful and impressive person and will be sorely missed by all."
"Geri and Family: Please know you all are in our prayers during this sad time. All of your Mercy friends are thinking of you. "
"Geri, Your Sinai and Mercy friends and I in Baltimore are so saddened about your sudden loss of Michael. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Donna Monius "
"We are deeply saddened by the news. I will always remember Mike running on a Saturday morning through the neighborhood. Please let us know if there is anything you need. We are happy to help. Mangis Family"
"So sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was our HR Rep in Bldg. 100 at Lilly for what seemed several years. Personally, I worked with him on a safety committee, but saw him almost daily in the bldg. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Dear Mary and the rest of Mike's family. We are so sorry for your loss. As a kid, Mike taught me the pleasures of MAD magazine and the board game "Gettysburg". He was going to form a band called "Sarcophagus" and title the first album "Buried Alive". I'm sure he was just as cool as a "grown up". Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Mary, Roger and I are so sorry to hear of Mikes's passing...we so enjoyed talking to him on his daily runs through the neighborhood...our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family... "
"Mary, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Mike. My ongoing thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Lakin family. "
"Mike will really be missed. I had the opportunity to work with Mike for a few years in HR at Lilly. He always made me laugh with his humor...and always made me smile with his barbequed ribs and pulled pork! They were so good that I remember him taking a poll with his co-workers to see which one he should bring in for a work "pitch in" as they were both SO good! Mike will be missed...Mary, praying that God gives you and your two sons strength as you go through this difficult time."
"Mike and i worked together a couple of times at Lilly over the years. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Mike and i worked together a couple of times at Lilly over the years. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Mike and i worked together a couple of times at Lilly over the years. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Lakin Family - so shocked to hear of Mike's passing. I've worked with him at Lilly for years and my son Chris played baseball with Danny. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Herr Family - Dale, Cathy, Chris, Jake & Josh"
"My sincere condolences to you Mary, as well as to your sons. I know we haven't seen each other in years but I fondly remember Mike and you wedding back in 1986. My thoughts are with you. (Uncle Corky's daughter)"
"To Mike's family, My deepest sympathies for your sudden loss. I've worked with Mike in HR at Lilly for several years and we sure have enjoyed the benefits of his cooking! He and I recently had a discussion about his new love of cats! He was a great co-worker and a dedicated HR professional and will be greatly missed. Praying for your family. Susan"
"Mary, We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers."
"Mary I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers."