Michael C. Luton

Michael C. Luton May 24, 1926 June 17, 2014 Mike was born in London, England on May 24, 1926 and passed away peacefully with family around on June 17, 2014. Within the span of his 88 years Mike loved and laughed, pursued knowledge, looked for birds, travelled, cracked jokes, read history and mystery, acted in low budget plays, worshipped and served at the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, played with and bragged about his grandchildren, tutored in elementary schools, worked for racial, economic and environmental justice and liberal causes in general, and voted for every school and library levy and bond issue. He served in the British Army in Egypt from 1945-46 where his passion for adult learning was born. After graduation from Cambridge University, Mike attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and studied American History. There he met and fell into a long love affair with Barbara Campbell. After graduation they moved to England and were married on March 15, 1952. Joanne and Peter were born, and the family returned to Cleveland in 1956. Michael found work at CWRU where he worked for the next 32 years until his retirement in 1991. Mike and Barbara vacationed for many summers at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine enjoying the sand, the tides, the birds, the kids, the grandkids, long walks and the Fourth of July 5K fun run in which Mike participated into his early 80's. Mike and Barbara moved to Portland, Maine in 2008 to be closer to Joanne. Mike Luton was a kind, generous, compassionate and good soul. He entered the world in love and left it in love. He believed in the power and importance of kindness and understanding and devoted his life to caring not only for his family and friends but also for the wider life and world that embraces us all. He was fun and gentle, considerate and grateful for the blessings and good fortune of his life. He will be missed, but his love and his kind deeds continue to ripple across our lives and bringing joy. He is survived by his wife Barbara Luton, daughter Joanne Allen (Jonathan), son Peter Luton (Linda Berg), sister Enid Cornwall, grandchildren Katherine (Aaron), Emily (Brian), Colin and Seth, and several nieces and nephews in England, California and Massachusetts. Mike's family is deeply grateful to all of the staff on the Shapiro Wing at the Cedars for their compassionate and excellent care over the last 2 years. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 2nd at the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland Maine. Memorial gifts to honor his life may be sent to: Maine Audubon, 20 Gilsland Farm Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105 or the American Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004. New York NY 10004 To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com

Michael C. Luton

May 24, 1926 - June 17, 2014

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