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Michael Sim Dyer 1943-2020

BERLIN TOWNSHIP — Michael Sim Dyer, 77, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020, in the care of Crossroads Hospice at Austinwoods Nursing Home. His death followed a 19-month struggle with glioblastoma.

Mike was born March 30, 1943, in Youngstown, the third child of J. Francis and Catherine Shelar Dyer. He was graduated from Austintown Fitch High School, with the Class of 1961.

He attended Youngstown College, majoring in biology. Mike retired from the Mahoning County courts after 30 years of service in various roles. He also was self-employed, owning Canfield Maintenance Services.

The focus of Mike’s life was service to others. Over a span of years, he was a foster father to 28 young men, primarily from Summit and Cuyahoga counties. He adopted two of his foster sons, Joe and Justin, who both reside in the area.

Additionally, he was especially close to foster son Chris Cremeans, who died in a car accident in 2015, his fiance, Christina Lamp and their children, Trinity and Dominic. They made their home with Mike, and Mike was grandpa to the children.

Mike also devoted 50 years of his life to Boy Scouting. He joined as a young boy and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 47. He was later Scoutmaster of Troop 14 and Troop 144. He served at Camp Stambaugh as program director and camp director over a period of several years. He was awarded Scouting’s distinguished service award, the Silver Beaver, by the Mahoning Valley Council.

Mike is survived by his sons; by four sisters, Helen Planey of New Middletown, Suzanne (John) Jackson of Wellston, Janice Heaberlin of Austintown and Kathleen (Michael) Cook, also of Austintown; and seven brothers, John Jr. (Louise) of Liberty, the Rev. Thomas P. of Sebring, Edward of Austintown, James of Jackson Toenship, Jeff (Janet) of New Middletown, Martin of Austintown and Timothy (Judy) of Columbus.

Additionally he leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Michael Planey.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at St. Michael Church in Canfield. Friends may call 9 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the Mass, at the church.

Memorial contributions, in Mike’s name, may be given to Camp Stambaugh at Great Trails Council, 4500 Hudson Drive, Stow, OH 44224.

Arrangements are by the Lane Family Funeral Homes-Canfield Chapel. Family and friends may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

(special notice)