Michael R. Warnick

WARNICK, Michael R. Age 60 Of Richland Passed away on December 15, 2008, at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center after a sudden illness. He was born May 27, 1948 in Englewood, NJ, a son of Michael J. and Mary DiVola Warnick and graduated from Cliffside Park High School in New Jersey where he developed a life-long interest in science. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Chemistry from Seton Hall University and his Master's Degree in Physiology/Pharmacology from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He began his research career at the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, where he served as Senior Instructor in the Department of Physiology. An early accomplishment was being part of a team developing a noninvasive test for myocardial infarction. Mike then moved on to the University of Rochester, School of Medicine as a Senior Surgical Laboratory Technician, managing a laboratory and training medical students and surgical residents in laboratory techniques. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, was Mike's next stop. As a Research Specialist, he continued his work in cardiology and pulmonary studies. Mike then brought this training and experience to the Upjohn Company in 1983 and began a 25-year career with Upjohn/Pharmacia/Pfizer. He retired in May 2008 and was building a home in Hawaii, his dream for many years. Mike's career began at Upjohn in the Pathology and Toxicology Department. He joined the Project Management group in 1989, and continued that work in 2003 as a Project Manager in Pfizer Animal Health until his retirement. Mike was the organizer for many years of a weekly dinner club, and helped build a sense of community with research personnel. He is remembered by his co-workers as an enthusiastic trouble-shooter and problem solver. Mike enjoyed challenges, and the learning and application of knowledge, which he shared. As one friend remembers, "He was a voracious reader which made him an excellent conversationalist. Any subject you would mention a�" he would likely say, l read an article on that recently" In addition to being a voracious reader, he enjoyed books on tape, and loved going to the movies. He loved making people laugh and had an endless repertoire of witty remarks and jokes. Every week for several years, he compiled and issued a collection of humor that he shared with his friends, and was truly humble when he noted that his collection was read on several continents a reflection on the number of friends that he had in other countries. Mike was always fun to be with, talking or joking about anything, especially his hopes and plans for retirement in Hawaii, or just sitting quietly enjoying a good meal, a TV show or going to a movie. He also had a great love of tools. He loved making and improving things, helping friends with construction or wiring projects, he could turn his hand to anything. He was a great friend to many and would go to extraordinary lengths and personal inconvenience and cost to help his friends. He is sorely missed. A gathering to celebrate Mike's life and friendship is being planned. Mike will be buried in New Jersey, near his mother whom he helped care for until her death in 2007. Local arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. 269 343-1508. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book or leave a condolence to the family.