Michael Joseph Plankey
In the early morning of September 13th, 2018, surrounded by a houseful of family and friends, Michael Joseph Plankey passed through the gates of Heaven and into the arms of God.
Born in Burlington, Vermont on November 1, 1960, Michael was the son of William J. Plankey and Rose A. Stone. Michael is survived by his mother, and his four children: Jacob Plankey and Matthew Plankey of Vergennes, Vermont; David Plankey and his fiancé Chelsea Lowell of Shelburne, Vermont; and Abbey Plankey-Smith and her husband Courtney Smith of Spokane, Washington. Michael was so proud of his new granddaughter Harper Rose Smith, of Spokane, Washington.
Michael is also survived by his four sisters and their families: Kathy and Bill Gourlie of Maryland; Barbi and Barry McDonald of Ferrisburgh, Vermont; Susan P. Hatch and her partner Mike Gingras of Bristol, Vermont; and Diana and Drew Hirshfeld of Reston, Virginia. His family also consisted of the entire Plankey and Heath clans and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He had a tremendous circle of dear friends and all will miss him forever. He was predeceased by his father William Plankey Sr, his brother William Plankey Jr, his nephew Stephen McKay and his father in-law Wayne Heath.
Michael grew up in Vergennes and graduated from Vergennes Union High School in 1978. He attended SUNY Morrisville where he studied automobile technology. He worked as a parts manager for several local dealerships. He will live on for so many of us through his work as the Occasional Artist.
His passion however was for the world of soccer, beginning as a player on the Vergennes JV and Varsity teams, and later as their head coach. He was instrumental in the development of youth soccer in Vergennes, including the Vergennes Area Youth Soccer and Addison United groups. Over the years, Michael mentored and coached many young players and left a lasting impact on his community.
A soccer scholarship is being setup for deserving students at VUHS. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to “Goals for Success” in care of Amanda Coyle and Richard Ambrose at 141 Stove Pipe City Road, Vergennes, VT 05491.
Calling hours will be from 5 pm to 8 pm on September 17th at Brown-McClay Funeral Home on Maple Street in Vergennes. Michael’s funeral will be on September 18th at 11:00 am. At St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes.
Michael’s family is grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from his friends and the community at large, over the last four years during his courageous battle with cancer. He rocked til his very last day. PLANKEY STRONG! “don’t forget to learn something.”