Mykal N. Brandt Troupe, born August 26, 1993, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, son of Michelle Brandt Frederick and Terry Lee Troupe, Jr. was welcomed into heaven on Saturday, March 11, 2017 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family after a 2-week stay in the Sanford Hospital Critical Care Unit.
Mykal grew up with his mother and stepfather, Dan Frederick in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His sister, Mykala Supplice, was a constant fixture in his life and became a close friend and confidant, as they grew older. Mykal gained a stepsister, Taylor Frederick and two stepbrothers, Cody Frederick and John Playford when his mother married Dan. The family was complete when his little sister, Rachel Frederick was born. Mykal had a special bond with his grandmother, Patricia Gort. They would attend church at Ada Bible Church when his work schedule would allow. He enjoyed reconnecting with his grandfather, James C Brandt, while he was in Florida. Family was important to Mykal and any opportunity to spend time with his aunts, uncles and many cousins was always welcome.
As Mykal grew older during his youth, he established a relationship with his father who was residing in Atlanta, GA. During this time, father and son bonds were made along with his fraternal extended family members. As a child, Mykal enjoyed going camping and spending time with his grandfather, Terry Lee Troupe Sr., grandmother, Pearline Troupe, aunt, Paulette Abbey and 1st cousins, Aisha McGhee-Coleman and Aliya Abbey. He also had a special relationship with his 2nd cousin Stacy Filipiak of Grand Rapids, MI. She would spend quality time with him by inviting him on fun filled day trips.
Mykal lived his life to the fullest and was never afraid to take on a new challenge. He spent many hours connecting with people through online video games. Always pushing people to improve and do their best…mainly because he wanted to win. 🙂 When he wasn’t playing his Xbox or conquering some new game on his computer, he was outside finding some new adventure. Whether it was long-boarding at a break-neck speed down Lyon Street, snowboarding at Cannonsburg, or heading off with his friends, Donnie and Zack, on a backpacking walk-about through California, Mykal was determined to make the most of his time here on Earth.
Mykal graduated from Forest Hills Eastern High School in 2012. He attended Grand Rapids Community College for a few semesters but decided to take a break to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He spent time in California as an organic farm apprentice with the WWOOF organization, worked with friends at Chicago Style Gyro on Leonard Street and traveled to Florida to visit his Uncle Jon, learning the ins and outs of being a great salesman, which he exceled at while working for Camping World. Mykal was incredibly bright and was an excellent problem solver, but his truest gift was his ability to brighten someone’s day. It didn’t matter if you were a co-worker, customer, relative or just a random person on the street; Mykal always had a smile and (if you were lucky) a hug ready for you. He had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. To know Mykal, was to love Mykal.
He started settling down recently by pursuing a job as an electrician’s apprentice. He had also rekindled a high school relationship with Nichole M. and was planning on starting a life with her and her three children, Samuel, Elizabeth and Victoria after he returned from South Dakota. Mykal told me he had always seen himself in the role of being a father. Mykal was a kind and generous person. He was always the happiest when he was helping people. Mykal could talk to anyone. It didn’t matter who, from the CEO of a company to a homeless kid on the street, Mykal was always ready to engage a person in meaningful conversation. Mykal’s final act of kindness was realized when his family donated his organs to fulfill his wishes of giving the gift of life.
The family would like to encourage people to reflect making the decision to become a donor. We would also like to encourage donations to HQ Runaway and Homeless Youth Drop-in Center of Grand Rapids, Michigan. While Mykal always had a place to call home, he understood that many people his own age were not as fortunate.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 30, 5-8:00 p.m. at Ada Bible Church, Kentwood Campus, 2045 68th Street S.E. Caledonia. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 1, 3:00 p.m. at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. N.E., Grand Rapids. Pastor Brian Flippin of Hope Restored Ministries officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Gardens.
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