Michael K. Gire

Michael “Mike” (“Mikey” to his closest family) Gire, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and nationally respected healthcare attorney, died on August 11, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born on January 25, 1947, in San Francisco, California, Mike grew up in Upper Arlington with his brothers Tom and Dana. A graduate of Upper Arlington High School in 1965, he earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and History from The Ohio State University in 1970 while working for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. He began law school at American University Washington College of Law in 1973, where he met Marguerite, his future wife, in line at registration on the first day. Upon graduating in 1977, he moved back to Columbus to join Bricker & Eckler law firm and went on to build a distinguished legal career that helped shape healthcare throughout Ohio and beyond.

For more than forty years, Mike dedicated his professional life to helping healthcare organizations navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape. As head of the healthcare practice at Bricker & Eckler and a member of the firms Executive Committee, he served as trusted counsel to hospitals, physicians, health systems, and healthcare leaders across the country. Throughout his remarkable career, Mike participated in more than 75 hospital mergers and corporate affiliations that helped create and strengthen local hospital networks serving communities throughout Ohio.

Widely regarded as one of the nation's leading healthcare attorneys, Mike was ranked in Band 1 for Health Care Law by Chambers USA and was recognized by Ohio Super Lawyers. He served as counsel to the Ohio Hospital Association and was frequently called upon for his expertise in healthcare regulation, governance, ethics, reimbursement, and patient care issues. His contributions extended beyond the practice of law; he lectured on health law at medical and law schools, mentored countless professionals, and served on Franklin Universitys Advisory Board for its Masters and Doctorate programs in Healthcare Administration. Mike was also a dedicated leader in the legal community, serving as President of the Columbus Bar Foundation from 2019 to 2020 after previously holding the roles of Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President. His many accomplishments were recognized through numerous professional honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in Health Care from Columbus CEO magazine.

For all of his professional accomplishments, Mike’s family remained at the center of his life. He was a devoted husband to Marguerite and a loving father to his daughters, Ann and Lyn. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their ambitions, and treasured the relationships he shared with them. He also shared a special bond with his son-in-law that included a mutual passion for politics, cars, and watches. His grandchildren brought him great joy, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. Just two weeks before his death, Mike enjoyed a beach vacation with his family, a happy time together that has brought comfort to those who loved him.

Mike was an avid sailor, skier, cyclist, hiker, scuba diver, and motorcyclist. In retirement, he became an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist for Hocking County, giving nature tours and banding flying squirrels. For more than twenty years, he embarked on annual motorcycle journeys across North America aboard his beloved BMW, exploring remote roads and beautiful landscapes from the Canadian Rockies to Nova Scotia. Whether hiking the Scottish Highlands, sailing on open water, or traveling with friends and family, Mike approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

Mike leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the healthcare institutions he helped shape and the profession he elevated. He will be remembered by family, friends, colleagues, and clients for his wisdom, generosity, integrity, and enduring commitment to helping others.