Michael Alan Whiting

Michael Alan Whiting, age 62, of Louisville, passed into new life on October 12, 2017, in Louisville, surrounded by his family. He was born October 11, 1955 in Louisville, the son of Patricia Ramser-Palma and Alan Whiting. He was an engaged member of St. William Catholic Church and Drepung Gomang Center For Engaging Compassion.

Michael's passion for peacemaking, justice-building and nonviolence, his artistic gifts, and his endliess humor, made him friends in many different communities. From a very early age, he was an advocate for people who are less fortunate, and his heart took him to work among homeless people, with people with disabilities, with children at Central State, and as a sponsor for refugees in the city.

Michael was an avid cyclist, ran cross-country for many years, was an accomplished Martial Arts teacher, created a neighborhood chess club, wrote peace songs for PeaceCraft, and was a master at creating on-the-spot mind challenging games.

However, the greatest gift Michael gave his hometown was his tireless work for justice, peace, Earth-care and interfaith understanding. He considered himself a student of Mahatma Gandhi, Eknath Easwaran, and other teachers of the path of nonviolence. He was a co-creator or collaborator of many justice-initiatives around the city, including The Disarmer, Sowers of Justice Network, Louisville Arms of Compassion, and a teacher of nonviolence in a variety of locations.

Michael always encouraged others to be their best selves. He was a spiritual traveler who treated his body as a holy temple, feeding it with healthy exercise and food. He nourished his spirit with daily prayer and meditation. He was a life-long student. To his four children, Michael was a teacher, conductor and an example of devotion and engaged service for others.

Michael was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Alan B and Nancye Whiting; his brother, Peter; and his sister, Mary. He is survived by his four children, Ethan Krishna, Erik Ardas, Elese Darshan and Evelyn Anandi; his mother, Patricia Ramser-Palma; step-father, Pat Palma; sister, Terry Whiting; brothers, John and Paul Whiting, and Greg Walker.

An Interfaith Prayer Service honoring Michael will be held on Thursday, October 19th at 5:30pm a Drepung Gomang Center For Engaging Compassion (DGCEC), 411 N. Hubbards Lane, 40207.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. William Church, 1226 W. Oak, 40210 on Friday, October 20th from 9-10am visitation, followed by a 10am Service with a Reception following until 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. William/St. Vincent dePaul Conference or to DGCEC.

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