Michael Kenneth Nanton

In the early morning hours of December 28th 2024, Mike Nanton passed away at home in the loving arms of his wife Pam. 

A Vietnam Veteran who was well versed in life’s hardships, Michael tried to adhere to an outlook on life, “that it is worth living and living fully, because you never know”. Those that had the pleasure of knowing Michael knew him as a gregarious and outgoing individual who loved to make others smile and loved a good joke. He also loved a good argument, often switching his point of view during a discussion, just to keep the conversation going. He loved the interaction more than the point of the discussion. Michael had many passions… family, trains, photography, NYC, and his wife’s cooking, especially sweets, the rocky horror picture show (he would drop into a rousing rendition of the time warp at the mere suggestion), … but most importantly his relationship with his wife Pamela and the 32 years they had together. He would often state that she was the best thing that ever happened in his life and loved her dearly. Some suspect that he learned sign language so that he could be closer to Pam and that they could have their own secret “twin language”. They would often be seen signing to each other when making their own mischievous plans.

Michael is survived by two wonderful sons, Jason and Devon, and his grandson Dakota. Mike’s connection with his siblings Colette, Steve and Louis; as well as all of his cousins, nieces and nephews and his extended family helped keep Mike grounded. In the Nanton family, friends and loved ones are often adopted and become “cousin” status very easily. It is with this mentality that Michael continued to grow his family tree. 

Michael loved sharing his passion for Photography and Trains with all, and encouraged others by teaching photography in school settings. He also was a part of train and photography clubs throughout his life. It is these hobbies that had his sons, often standing in train yards, or along train tracks. On one occasion driving at high rates of speeds to get the perfect shot. Or when visiting a new country, taking pictures of trains in foreign countries for his collection. His passion for photography came naturally to Michael as he was raised in a highly artistic family and learned his lifelong photographic passion at the knee of his father Cliff. This passion was further nourished by entering the School of Art and Design in NYC. He spent many years behind the lens of a camera as a photographer, and even when he retired from Fashion photography, he would continue to pursue it, winning multiple awards for wildlife photography and any other images that caught his eye. In his desire to further share this passion, he was led down another pathway teaching students and adults who were deaf, blind, autistic or multiply disabled.

 His energetic nature, compassion, sense of humor and straight forward honesty in dealing with challenges being faced brought a joyful, fun, caring note to his daily teaching style and assistance of others. Michael would often say that he learned far more from the adults and students he worked with than they did from him. They truly touched his heart and he took joy in giving of himself. Michael’s mortal enemies included bees, ants and hospitals. 

But as he would often tell you, put a camera in his hand, and he would photograph and interact with the natural world, making bees and ants his subjects of some beautiful photographs. 

He would never reconcile with hospitals, although he thought highly of the nurses and helpers that were a part of his last years of life.

We have lost a great man in this life, but find solace in knowing that

Michael has joined his brother Larry, his sister-in-law Margueritte, his cousin and godmother, Marcelle and niece Nina as well as his parents Cliff and Audrey in the next life where he is undoubtedly laughing and reminiscing with them about the “Good Old Times”

Michael would have one request for those he loves, that is that everyone take a picture each day, and capture that moment in time. Michael “Mike” Nanton is loved and will be missed. But like his photographs, he leaves us with countless memories for us to continue to reflect upon. With the smiles and laughter that only he could create through his unique “lens’ on life”.

There will be no services.