Michael Dean Rust died on June 30, 2023. He was 65.

Mike was the beloved husband and best friend of Diane (Samerdyke) Rust and the exceptionally proud father of Matthew Rust. He was the son of the late Henry F. and Thelma (nee Dean) Rust and brother of Debra (Robert) Carlisle of Salisbury, Maryland, and Randy (Carolyn) Rust of Medina, Ohio. Mike was a longtime resident of Vermilion, Ohio until Diane lured him away and they made Brunswick their home.

With his jovial, charming personality and great sense of humor, Mike never met a stranger. His charisma, along with his piercing blue eyes, his winning smile, (and always perfectly coiffed hair!) were what first captured Diane's attention and then her heart. Mike was the best friend and biggest cheerleader for both Diane and Matthew, and he played his roles of husband and father with all his heart. Mike was also a committed "doggie daddy," but in recent years he occasionally pulled himself away from his precious pet to go on road trips with Diane.

A lover of food, especially sweets, Mike enjoyed whatever Diane cooked or baked, but he was no stranger to the culinary arts. His morning spreads rivaled those of any bed and breakfast, and his prowess with the grill earned him the celebrated title of grillmaster at home. He was the carver of the Thanksgiving turkey, and taste-tested the best pieces before it was brought to the table.

Never doing anything halfway, Mike threw himself wholeheartedly into his various interests and projects.  From playing handyman around the house (He could fix anything and everything!), his career in the transportation industry, flying his drone, watching "The Shawshank Redemption" for the 842nd time, to his commitment to helping the Brunswick Marching Blue Devils band program, Mike gave it his all.  His greatest joy was being a father to Matthew.

Mike cared deeply for his family, his friends and his country.

Sadly, Mike did not get the opportunity to enjoy retirement as his 11 month battle with cancer took him from this world much too soon.  But that terrible disease cannot take from us our fond memories of him. He had an impact on many lives and will be greatly missed.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 3300 Center Rd. Brunswick, OH  44212, immediately followed by a memorial service. A private interment at Spring Grove Cemetery will take place at a later date.

The Brunswick High School band program had a significant impact on the Rust family, so in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael D. Rust Memorial Marching Blue Devils Award Fund .  Details are forthcoming.

Please share condolences on Mike's tribute page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.