Michael “Mike” Kerlin Groves, 49-years-old, passed away on Monday August 5, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia. Born on February 8, 1975, in Bethesda, MD, Mike was the youngest son of David T. Groves, Sr. and the late Anne (Kerlin) Groves. He departed this world surrounded by those he loved and held dearest to his heart.

Raised in Arlington, Virginia, Mike was an avid lover of music from a very young age and was able to freely explore his creative side during his tenure at H-B Woodlawn Secondary School. He started his musical journey during his formative years in the early 1980’s alongside his older brother, David, as the bass guitarist for the widely known Northern Virginia rock band, Kage. Kage’s success in the local rock scene was the foundation upon which he flourished into an exceptional musician, singer, and songwriter. Mike also performed in various successive bands including Lamont, Sins of Soul, Automatic, and Flood Thought.

His solo artistry and many collaborative efforts with fellow musician friends have left a lasting mark on the music community which continues to endure the test of time. The depth and breadth of his extraordinary talents on the Blue Notes Project may be experienced through the following link: https://soundcloud.com/alex-thorne-684666552/sets/blue-notes-project.

Upon graduating with an Associate’s Degree from George Washington University, it was realized that Mike’s artistry was not limited to music alone. His passion for the arts transcended into working as an antiquarian, specializing in the works of Thomas Cole and Frederick Edwin Church (Hudson River School Artists). He curated, collected, and rehomed various vintage paintings and rare relics in DC, New York, Savannah, GA, and California. His natural talent and incomparable eye for antiquities resulted in him being commissioned as one of the youngest assistant curators for the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA.

With all of Mike’s many accomplishments, his greatest achievement was becoming a dedicated and devoted father to his daughter, Heleighna, whom he loved beyond measure.

Mike was an adventurous, caring soul who had a tremendous zest for life. Not one to know a stranger, he had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcomed in his presence. He genuinely loved his family and friends and was sensitive to the needs of others above his own. His witty jokes, hearty laugh, and jubilant smile will never be forgotten.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dyan Welch, adoring daughter, Heleighna Groves; father, David Groves, Sr.; brother, David Groves, Jr., sister-in-law, Filiz; nephews, Nicholas Groves and Ian Roche; cousin, Amanda Kerlin and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.

A visitation will be held for Mike on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 1:30pm with a Celebration of Life to be conducted at 2:30pm all held at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s honor. Please Contact the family for additional information.