Michael Darin Findley

Michael Darin Findley, 57, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023. He was born September 3, 1965, in Albany, Missouri, to the late Robert Findley and Margaret Yates and adored by his husband Ashley Lindsey, his aunt Barbara Findley and uncle Terry Findley.

Michael was a self-described "farm boy" from the Midwest. He had a heart of gold and an infectious laugh that could fill a room, and his love for his friends and family knew no bounds.

Michael met Ashley in 2008 at Posh nightclub, which soon became one of their favorite hangouts. Then, in 2017, on a beach in Havana, Cuba, Michael proposed to Ashley. They finally made it official and became husbands on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Michael graduated from Albany R. III High School in 1983 and earned a BS in Finance at Northwest Missouri State University in 1987, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. He earned an MS in Integrated Marketing from New York University in 2004.

He was a world traveler and adventure seeker with more passport stamps than one could count. Whether it was hang-gliding in New Zealand, escaping a wildfire in Tasmania, swimming with sharks, or repelling into the cenotes of Tulum, Mexico, Micheal was always up for a challenge. His love for scuba diving took him to the deepest parts of the world, seeing things many only dream of (or see on National Geographic). His favorite dives included Bonaire (Caribbean), the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the Maldives, and the deepest points of Raja Ampat (Indonesia).

Michael cherished his summers on Fire Island, where he could share his favorite recipes and his carefree and creative dance moves to any music, with DJ Lina spinning on the back porch of Sip-n-Twirl—leaving his husband Ashley, best friend Jimmy, and friend Steven to marvel at his unapologetic relationship with rhythm. He never missed his annual July 4th trip to the Lake of the Ozarks or Christmas trip back to the Midwest to spend time with his 2nd family (The Jensen's) and to check in on his beloved Aunt Barb and Uncle Terry.

As a member of Team Eagle, Michael rode his bike from Boston to NYC to raise money and awareness in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. He was an excellent bowler who looked forward to his Thursday nights when he would share a "pop" or two and a spare with the bowling crew. He was a great debater and storyteller who usually took the long way but always made his point.

Michael was an avid reader and lover of art and culture. He was an employee of Linde Inc. for 33 years and received the Eagle Award numerous times for his work as a national account manager.

Michael was known for his "Findleyisms," such as "Love Ya Bunches" when saying good-bye or "Hey Kiddo" when greeting. If he agreed with what you were saying, he'd give you a "Yep-Yep-Yep" or "Ding-Ding-Ding," or when disagreeing or diffusing a situation, he'd always interject with "Can I Make a Recommendation." Then there's his loving pet name for his and Ashley's 16-year-old dachshund Layla: "Little Bit." He was a man of great character who overcame many obstacles to build the life he wanted to live.

Michael spent his last few days on this earth surrounded by many friends and family who traveled from all over the country to shower their dear friend with love and support. On August 5 at 11:16 p.m., Michael took his last breath and transitioned peacefully in the arms of his loving husband.

In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents, Claris and Frances Findley, and uncle, Terry Findley. He is survived by his loving husband, Ashley Lindsey; god-daughters, Alyssa Jensen and RaeAnne Hopkins; brother, Steve Findley (Annette); sister, Angie Nible (Brent); brother, Heath Yates; and six nieces and nephews: Stacy, Amber, Myles, Michael, Madison, and Morgan. Michael will forever live on in the hearts of the ones who loved him deeply.

A celebration of life will be held for Michael at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the organizations Michael cared about.

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Gay and Lesbian Resource Center