Michael Logan Walsh

Michael Logan Walsh, 30, died Wednesday.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, he served in the United States Marine Corps. He is survived by his daughter, Kennadee; grandmother, Joyce; his mother, Maureen; his father, Michael; and his younger brother, Ryan. Michael, better known by friends and family as Logan, was a loving, passionate and kind person. He was a beloved father, son, grandson, brother and friend. In his youth he enjoyed playing baseball, riding dirt bikes and traveling with family to the Jersey Shore.

His love for his family was unprecedented. In a perfect world, his kindness and love would have been enough. As he grew older, Logan struggled with mental illness and addiction. His family chooses to include these facts not to define Logan by his ailment, but rather to bring to light the struggles that plague so many individuals and families in our communities. Mental illness and addiction inevitably touch every family in one way or another, regardless of social standing.

Our family believes not speaking about the problem allows it to persist. We believe that ignoring it cultivates the issue. Our family wishes Logan's struggle and sickness to be catalysts of change rather than elements of embarrassment. The tone of addiction can often echo shame and, as a family, we are not ashamed of Logan.

We as a family are proud of his kind soul and his ability to always choose kindness. Unfortunately, our society is quick to judge; it is very difficult to seek help and get help. We invite those of you reading this to acknowledge that Logan was sick, but the empathy for his struggle was twisted by a lack of understanding. We believe that the lack of compassion that holds for those in need continues to stagnate.

This not only breeds apathy, but also alienates those who already feel lost. Mental illness does not discriminate. And though Logan's illness will not forever define him, it will endure as a reminder for the action that needs to be taken to help others like him in need.

Logan's family will always remember him as the funny, tattoo-covered, curly haired goofball he was - the man who had so much love to give and wanted to share it with everyone around him.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the Walsh family asks that you please donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://donate.nami.org/give/197406/#!/donation/checkout.

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