It is with heavy hearts that we write to advise that on April 7th, we lost a great man, our father, William Michael Fitzgerald, known by most as “Mike.” He died peacefully, at age 74, from complications following a debilitating stroke two weeks ago.
A dentist by training, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Susie, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just last year. Together they followed a dream – which some thought a folly – and founded Frontiers which shaped the sporting travel industry we know today. A new standard was set. Mike helped pioneer some of today’s finest sporting venues and we take special pride in following in his footsteps and honoring his legacy. He was an icon in the outdoors travel business, very highly regarded and well-liked by all those that met him.
Mike will be remembered best for his active mind, his gentle nature, his inimitable sense of humor and his passion for Duke Basketball, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you wish to send condolences to the Fitzgerald family, or share a special memory or anecdote, please forward them to: [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Mike’s memory, please consider the following organizations of which he thought highly:
Atlantic Salmon Federation
An organization dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their well being and survival depend (Mike was a Trustee for years).
P.O. Box 807
Calais, ME 04619
www.asf.ca
Cancer Caring Center
The mission of the Cancer Caring Center is to help cancer survivors, their families and concerned friends cope effectively with the emotional impact of cancer through a variety of FREE support services – Mike Jr. sits on their board.
4117 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
412-622-1212
www.cancercaring.org
Smile Train
Smile Train provides free cleft surgery to hundreds of thousands of children in developing countries – Mike’s favorite personal charity.
1-800-932-9541
http://support.smiletrain.org/site/TR/Events/General?pg=fund&fr_id=1030&pxfid=13540