A Life Shaped by Water, A Farewell Framed by the Lake

Few people loved the water more than Tony Mlack. It shaped his life - and brought him peace.

So when Tony entered hospice care, his request was simple: a room with a view of Lake Erie.

"His love for water started when we were kids," says his sister, Ginny Mooney. "There was a little creek near our house where we’d catch tadpoles. It was a lot of fun growing up.”

That early connection grew into a lifelong passion. Tony earned a degree in marine biology from Ohio University, taught scuba diving in Key West, and even worked as a lifeguard. He owned a boat, lived in Argentina for a time, and eventually settled back in Ohio, making sure his home had a pool and a hot tub.

“He truly loved being near the water, in any form,” Ginny says.

Thanks to the care team at David Simpson Hospice House, Tony’s final wish for a lake view was honored.

“That was such a gift,” his sister says. 

Now, Ginny, who is also a Western Reserve Care Solutions board member, finds comfort knowing that every room in our new Hospice Care & Community Center will face the lake. 

“I know what the water meant to my brother,” she says. “Just seeing it brings peace and a sense of calm.  Even my birdbath on my patio brings me calm! I’m so happy that other patients will be comforted by what he cherished so deeply - our greatest asset - Lake Erie.”