Obituary of Roger Edward Michael

Roger Edward Michael, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday October 20, 2016 at his home in Shelton, Washington. Born in Tacoma to Ed and Mabel Michael he lived much of his life in Bellingham before also having homes in Seattle and Rochester, WA. Roger enjoyed the classic car hobby for many years, specifically Tri-Five Chevy’s and Corvettes. His 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air hardtop and 1965 factory fuelie Corvette were the pride of his collection. In the 70’s and 80’s he made a number of trips out-of-state to show his cars in national meets for the Classic Chevy Club and the National Corvette Restorers Society. For all the cars he couldn’t have he collected automotive memorabilia which he prominently displayed throughout his house. He graduated from Western Washington State College (WWU), and went on to obtain his Master’s Degree in Education. Roger married Suzanne Thomas (Kirk) in 1963, and they lived in Edmonds where Roger taught school. In 1967 they moved to Bellingham where they started a family. He was a both a teacher and principal in Mount Baker School District during his early career. The 1980’s took him to Seattle where he managed a collision repair shop. He once remarked on the difference between education & business careers as “well the kids are a little bit older, but all the same principles still apply”. He later went on to sell funeral pre-need arrangements. Although he and Suzanne later divorced, they remained amiable toward each other and often caught up on the news of people they had known together over the years. While never attaining any sort of status as a master gardener, it was an activity Roger enjoyed with varying success. His skill in the kitchen was exemplary, and he would prepare special meals for anyone who was his guest. Often those guests would find themselves in a conversation about politics as Roger would lament the socialist decline of our once great nation. Roger was very proud of his two children, Eric Michael of Scappoose, OR, and Greta Ireland of Shelton WA. Friends and family would often remark to Eric & Greta about the stories he had shared. Roger was also proud of his four grandchildren in Shelton, WA as he watched them mature and come in to their own. Roger is also survived by his sister Dorothea Bennett of Port Orchard, WA; his four grandchildren in Shelton, WA; his daughter-in-law Lisa Michael and son-in-law Brian Ireland; numerous nieces and nephews; and his life-long friend Barry McCall of Aldergrove, British Columbia. He was preceded by both his parents earlier this year, and by his brother Gary Michael Sr. in 2011. A gravesite Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 10th at 2pm at the New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd W, University Place, WA. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life at the Tacoma Elk’s Lodge, 2013 S. Cedar St, Tacoma, WA.