HART, Michigan — The life of a beloved West Michigan high school principal will be celebrated after his unexpected death last weekend.
Troy Moran died suddenly Saturday when he had a heart attack during a run, according to the Oceana County Press. He was only 46 years old.
Moran became the principal of Hart High School in 2021. He leaves behind two daughters, Elle and Reagan.
Hart Public Schools Superintendent Mark Platt said he had been friends with Moran for more than 20 years.
"So this is more than losing someone you work with. This is losing a friend," said Platt in an interview with 13 ON YOUR SIDE Tuesday. "I mean, this was a guy that when he walked into the room, you were glad he showed up... Just a really special guy. Now I'm smiling because I know right now he's looking down on us smiling."
Moran grew up in West Michigan, graduating from Whitehall High School in 1996, then Western Michigan University in 2002. His career led him to four different West Michigan school districts before Hart. He was an avid fisher, loved to run and watch sports — but most of all, he loved being a dad, his loved ones say.
"Troy was a true lover of life," his obituary reads. "Troy’s gift in life was putting others first as it’s been said by many he was kind to all and never met a stranger; whoever he met became a friend who felt seen and heard with each interaction."
His loved ones said that while the loss will leave a "huge hole in our hearts," they will remember Moran's talent at challenging others to be the best versions of themselves. That's what made him such a great educator, they said.
"Troy’s ability to see the good in others and make meaningful connections paired with his easy-going nature, flashy smile and infectious laugh lit up family rooms, gyms, and classrooms. This ability defined who he was and how he lived his life," they wrote.
Hart Public Schools said they will have a half-day on Thursday to allow students and staff to attend his funeral. They wrote the following statement with details on Facebook:
Dear Pirate Nation,
Hart Public Schools will have a half-day this Thursday, May 2nd, to give staff and students the opportunity to attend the funeral of our beloved high school principal, Troy Moran. School will be dismissed at 11:30am, and no lunch will be served.
The visitation will be at 3:00pm, and the funeral will immediately follow at 4:00pm at Shelby Road Baptist Church located at 4066 W Shelby Rd, Shelby, MI.
The Moran family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to Mr. Moran’s Ride for Pride Program.
Any further updates will be shared on our Hart Public Schools Facebook page as we receive them. Thank you for being understanding as we navigate this difficult time.
Stay strong, Pirates.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Moran's daughters. You can donate and leave a message to the family here.
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