Obituary
MICHAEL AINSLEY 5/21/1949-4/30/2020
Michael was born in Elmira, New York, moving to Florida at the age of 10. He was a Disabled Army Veteran who served in Korea and Vietnam.
He was an artist and writer (Published “I Knew You Were Waiting”).
He and his wife Mary Lou Ainsley were active in training dogs and volunteering for Boxer rescues. During his 60’s, he transitioned to “Thalia Jane” and became active in the LGBT community. He was on volunteer duty at The Center, taking phone calls all over the world on the day of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre in Orlando. He was a very caring to all the people he met.
Michael / Thalia Jane was predeceased by his wife Mary Lou Ainsley, his parents Albert Ainsley and Dorothy Patti and his brother-in-law Fred Sharifi. Left to cherish his memory are his son Richard Ainsley, Richard’s children: Jacob, Tristan, Bastian, Heather, and Monica (and her daughter Willow), his sister, Margaret Sharifi and her children: Mark and Matthew, and his best friend, John Swope. He also leaves behind his beloved cats, Tally and May.
The family requests you remember him by continuing his acts of caring and kindness to everyone you meet. No formal memorial service is planned at this time.
Arrangements are under the care of Baldwin Brothers, 1185 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
I miss the fire. The strength. The stubbornness. The passion and kindness. The stories. The encouragement. The advice. The friendship. The love.
Talisman has now passed, and I am convinced he left to return to his favorite lap.. and as I sit in the dark of the night and reminisce, I stroke sweet May, and I try my best to follow Papa's advice. We must be grateful for the time that we have. It doesn't do us well to linger in regrets.
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