Michael A. Herwood

Michael Andrew Herwood died at home in West Hartford on March 19th, 2017. Born on June 12, 1955 in New York City, he leaves his beloved wife of 37 years, Constance Reik, their three children, Margot Dayton (Matthew), Julia Breedon (Simon), and Daniel Herwood, and four cherished grandchildren Allison and Grace Dayton and Colton and Emilia Breedon. He also leaves his mother Sonya Herwood, to whom he was devoted, and brother Jeffrey Herwood. Michael worked at The Travelers for 25 years and retired in 2015 when he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. In his retirement, Michael decided to focus his time on his loves of photography, hiking, and travel. In between grueling chemo treatments he spent time boating on Lake George, enthusiastically hiking in the Adirondacks with his dog Jack and friends Jim Fuchs and Kate O'Keeffe, and trekking to many National Parks (including Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Glacier, Crater Lake, Yosemite, and Grand Tetons), Switzerland, Chamonix (with Margot), and British Colombia. He also traveled to Paris, the coast of Oregon, and St. John. A selection of his photography from this time may be seen at www.michaelherwood.com. Michael hoped he would be able to continue to travel and was always planning his next adventure. He dreamed of going to the Dolomites, Patagonia, and back to Chamonix later this year. In anticipation of his upcoming 62nd birthday he was looking forward to getting the "Golden Eagle" pass to the National Parks and driving across the country, stopping at every park along the way. In spite of his awful diagnosis and through painful treatments he remained optimistic, affable, and genuinely loved life. His family would like to thank all of our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family who have been so much help during his illness. He appreciated all of your efforts and loved you for them. We would also like to thank Dr. Timothy Hong for his compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered on Buck Mountain overlooking Lake George. Friends and family will be received Thursday, March 23rd 4-7 pm at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford and Saturday, March 25th 3-7 pm at his daughter Margot's house at 26 Westminster Drive, West Hartford. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.

Michael A. Herwood

March 19, 2017