Michael Tomita Heath

Michael Tomita Heath, cherished son, brother, nephew and uncle, chose to leave this earth on June 18, 2018. He leaves behind his parents, Jim and Berte, his sister and brother-in-law, Mariko and Corey Trudell, and nephew, Leks. Also left grieving are his Aunts and Uncles, Peggy and Rob Robbins, and Marla and Bill Heath. Michael grew up with his Billings cousins, Mikayla, Kelly (Cederberg) and Hunter Kovash and their parents, Bryan and Polly (Reed) Kovash, and Uncle John Reed.

Last, and most importantly, Michael bids goodbye to his birth mother, the woman who gave him life, Lynnette Pavek Leone, who, out of pure love for her child, ‘loaned' Michael to Jim and Berte for 29 years.

Michael attended Poly Drive Elementary School and graduated from Billings Senior High School, University of Montana, and Loyola (Chicago) University Law School. Michael earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo at age 10 and his Eagle Scout badge at age 13. His intelligence, musical talent, love of philosophy and argument, and witticism exhausted most people. Prior to his teenage years, Michael performed (sang and danced) in several BST musicals and also performed vocal solos in different languages. His voice teacher informed us that Michael had ‘perfect pitch.' He excelled on the guitar and played the violin, keyboard, and mandolin. His compassion for people and animals was enormous. Michael had a huge, huge heart, unabashedly loved, and gave his all. He loved pansies and called them ‘face flowers.'

Depression and anxiety plagued and tormented Michael. Despite his efforts and those who loved him, he finally submitted and succumbed to both diseases.

A memorial service and celebration of Michael's life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 3 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI or the charity of your choice.