rt of the Red Cross Critical Incident Stress Debriefing team; served on the board of the United Way for many years; contributed to community activities as a member of the Knoxville Recreation Center board; and shared his knowledge and experience with students as an adjunct professor at William Penn College for Working Adults. He never hesitated to pitch in and help, whether it be assisting a new intern with moving in to their home or helping a friend with a laborious project. Everyone always knew they could count on Mike.
Mike worked hard to fill his life with family, friends, laughter, adventure and exercise. A few of his most notable activities include biking across France, participating in RAGBRAI, whitewater rafting, kayaking, cruising around town on a Trikke, and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa at the age of sixty!
Mike was deeply devoted to his family. He will be missed by many, including his wife Deb; son Troy; daughter Morgan, her husband Sam, and their son Lincoln who absolutely adored his Papa Mike! Mike was also especially close to his sisters Ann Devine, Elizabeth Gaffney, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Jeanne Gaffney.
Mike was a bit of an irreverent man, he wasn't afraid to speak his mind or go against the grain. He often spoke about his goal of cultivating his reputation as a 'character.' For those who knew him, we can all agree that he succeeded in that endeavor. He made a positive impact on so many, and was taken from us all too soon. Up until the very end, his primary concern was taking care of others. Mike asked that people remember him by engaging in unexpected and unsolicited acts of kindness whenever possible.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville, Iowa on Friday August 18th from 5 to 8 pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Peace Tree Root Cellar for those who would like to raise a glass to Mike.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Mike Gaffney please visit our Sympathy Store.
AUG 18. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Winfield Funeral Home
202 Washington
Knoxville, IA, US, 50138
AUG 18. 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Peace Tree
107 W. Main St.
Knoxville, IA, US, 50138
To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.winfieldfh.com/obituaries/Dr-Mike-Gaffney/