With hearts both full of love and profound sadness, we remember Mike's amazing life and courageous 14-month battle with cancer. Born in Kentucky to a military family that was stationed in different parts of the country, Mike was a true Southern gentleman who was very close to his grandmother and mom and a huge sports enthusiast. He played hockey and baseball, as well as fastpitch softball as an adult. He was known for his lightning-quick field and release against other teams, including The King and His Court.
When Mike and his family eventually moved to the Vancouver Barracks, he attended Hudson's Bay High School, where he met Jan, the love of his life. They married in 1973 and spent the next five decades building their life. Staying true to his country roots, he and Jan bought an old farmhouse in Battle Ground on the day Mount St. Helens erupted. There, they raised three sons, and Mike was integrally involved with each of them, coaching Little League and soccer. As they got older, he was always there to support them in various chapters of their lives and would always pick up the phone if they had a question or needed help or advice.
Mike was known for his hardworking spirit and dedicated 50-plus years in sales and service to the same company, Mather & Sons Pump Service, and never really “retired,” even coming into work as he went through rigorous medical treatments. He valued building professional relationships with farmers and homeowners, as well as public and private entities throughout Washington and Oregon.
Mike loved tending to his 2-acre yard and garden over the years, enjoyed traveling with Jan in their motorhome as often as they could get away, fishing, and cherished time with his family, including two granddaughters, as well as friends and family members. In between mowing the lawn and mole hunting, you would often find him outside in the garage watching some of his favorite teams: the Mariners, Seahawks and the Kentucky Wildcats, of course.
Mike was loyal and sincere, soft-hearted and generous. Deeply compassionate and attentive, he was content to be at home but was also socially active and enjoyed being with others, always remembering little details about people.
Mike is survived by his wife, Jan; sons Bryan (Brooke), Kevin and Kyle; granddaughters Natalie and Lily; siblings LaDonna, Terry (Ruthie), Cyndi (Tom) and Diana (Morgan); uncle, Larry (Chris); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other special family members.
Mike's celebration of life will be held at the Battle Ground Event Center on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program will be livestreamed starting at 5 p.m. Join here: https://tinyurl.com/
