Michael DeVoe Waite (1970-2015)

By Thomas Haakenson

Michael DeVoe Waite

(31 December 1970 – 14 November 2015)

Michael DeVoe Waite, compassionate father, husband, son, and brother, passed away as a result of complications from lymphoma on 14 November 2015 at California Pacific Medical Center in SanFrancisco, California. He was 44 years old.

Michael is survived by his loving husband, Thomas Odell Haakenson; his three children, Oliver (15), Beatrice(12), and Elliott (8); Thomas’s two children, Carlo (2) and Ella (1); Michael’s parents, Robert and Elaine Waite; his brothers and their spouses, Rob Waite (and his husband, John) and Steve Waite(and his wife, Jennifer); Steve and Jennifer’s children, Samantha (12), Alex(10), and Jameson (8); his ex-wife and mother to their children, Gwendolyn Williams, and her husband, Christopher Payne; his Mother-Outlaw, J. Michele Edwards; and his beloved little dog, Lilly.

Michael was a passionate musician and swimmer, devoted husband, caring father, and a gentle, sweet, forgiving human being. His last two acts of kindness before he passed were to kiss his husband, Thomas, goodbye, and to tell family gathered in the room with him, “Thank you all for everything.”

Per Michael’s request, and in lieu of a church service, a wake will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at one of his favorite places. More information will be posted to this site, Facebook, and a StarTribune obituary in the days ahead.

A memorial fund is being established to aid in the family’s cost of travel to be with him, to support youth music programs, as well as to contribute to Minnesota College Savings plans for each of Michael’s three children: Oliver, Bea, and Elliott. Expressions of condolence can be mailed to the following addresses:

MICHAEL'S CHILDREN:

Oliver, Beatrice, and Elliott Waite

c/o Gwendolyn Williams and Christopher Payne

6001 Newtwon Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55419-2019

MICHAEL'S HUSBAND:

Thomas O. Haakenson

131 Embarcadero West #3322

Oakland, CA 94607

Michael was gracious and kind. He gave us time to prepare for his passing. Despite the time we had together these past few months to prepare for his journey, I could never seem to find enough words to me to convey fully how much he was loved and to thank him for all he has done.