Michael Richard Hynes

MORRISONVILLE - Michael Richard Hynes, 54, passed away September 9, 2011 at CVPH Medical Center, Plattsburgh surrounded by his loving family and Rev. Father Timothy Canann. Michael was born July 5, 1957 in Berlin, New Hampshire, the son of Richard and Doris (Bilodeau) Hynes of Plattsburgh. Michael married the love of his life "the gem that God sent to him", the former Theresa Lynn "Terri" Durham of Plattsburgh at St. John's Church, Plattsburgh on May 30, 1982. They had two beautiful children, Kaitlin Michael and Carson Richard. He was a wonderful, loving and supportive father, husband and best friend. He never missed a game, dance recital or any other event that his children were involved in stating many times, "I am so glad I have lived to see my kids reach special accomplishments in their lives". What most people did not know about Michael was that he was not only born with a lung disease, Cystic Fibrosis, but he was also a double lung transplant survivor of 15 years. His parents were told by the doctors when he was born that he would probably not see his first birthday - he saw 54 of them. Michael attended St. John's Academy through eighth grade and graduated from Peru Central High School in 1976. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management in 1982 from Plattsburgh State University. He was employed as a customs broker for Radix International and C.J. Towers for five years, a purchasing manager for PLATTCO Corporation for 11 years and was also employed at Wyeth Ayerst for a short time. Michael was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus #6067 of Morrisonville. He was a member of the Upstate New York Tea Party. He was a strong supporter of catholic education and volunteered for many activities at the YMCA, St. John's Academy and Seton Catholic Central. This included working the bingo, coaching after school sports, helping out at the annual Harvest and Christmas dinners. Keeping score at his son Carson's basketball games was also something he so loved to do. He was an usher at St. John's Church in Plattsburgh. Michael was actively involved in Boy Scouts both as a leader and committee chairman. He himself achieved the rank of Star and was a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. Michael so enjoyed life; never taking one day for granted and never forgetting the gift of life given to him by an organ donor. Hiking in the Adirondacks, downhill skiing, boating, ice hockey, motorcycle riding, camping, photography and watching his football team the Miami Dolphins were just some of the activities he was able to enjoy because of his transplant. More importantly though, was the gift of time it allowed him to be with his family and watch his children grow. Michael "Bonzi" is survived by his beloved wife, Terri "Bug", a daughter, Kaitlin Hynes of Morrisonville, a son, Carson Hynes also of Morrisonville; his mother, Doris Hynes of Plattsburgh, one brother Brian Hynes of West Chazy; mother and father-in-law, Peter and Theresa Guibord of Plattsburgh; father-in-law Robert Durham, Sr. and his wife Rita of Plattsburgh. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law - Stacie & Jeff Chapman of Schuyler Falls, James Durham of Plattsburgh, Eric Durham of Florida, Yvette Durham of Plattsburgh, Robert Durham, Jr. of Lake Placid, Linda Hynes of Plattsburgh, Zeina and Josh Stone of Plattsburgh, Oulli Durham of Colorado, Lynne & Gene Landis of New Jersey, and Rick & Kathy Guibord of New Jersey. Several nieces and nephews; Cara and Dana Chapman of Schuyler Falls, Simone and Mark Shay of Plattsburgh, Payden and Emily Durham of Altona, Claire and Kash Durham of Peru, Gabriel and Rebekah Hynes of West Chazy and Connor and Brittany Landis of New Jersey, several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive him. Special canine and feline companions are Liberty Bell, Peeper, Si Si, Maya Mae and Ruby Mae. He was predeceased by his loving father Richard Hynes, his brother Shawn Hynes, and a sister-in-law Kerrie Guibord. His strength and courage, his awesome will to live, his love of life - appreciating the things so many of us take for granted - these are the attributes that made Michael such an amazing person. He will be loved and missed "to infinity and beyond". Donations in Michael's memory can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org. We encourage all to consider becoming registered organ donors. You can do this by visiting www.organdonor.gov. Someone's selfless act allowed Michael to see his two children grow to be beautiful young adults. Calling hours will be Monday, September 12, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September, 13, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's Church. Interment will be at Divine Mercy Cemetery on Cumberland Head. Members of the Knights of Columbus Council #6067 are asked to meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home for services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.