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Michael Padgett Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Padgett
Angela Fiso
December 29, 2006
Dear Donna,
I only had the pleasure of meeting you once, but remember it well. We had dinner in West Seattle on Alki. Mike often spoke so fondly of you when I worked with him. You and the rest of his family, I could tell, were all so precious to him. I am dearly sorry, and was unable to make it to the funeral. I often thought I need to put a note in the mail, but words are so difficult to really express what you mean. Although Mike was an expert at expressing himself in writing or verbally. I worked with him at Adult Protective Services in Seattle. He was always so supportive of my work and always there for me when I needed help or encouragement. His spirit and love of Christ resonated in his eyes daily. We had many good conversations about life, religion, and our ever yearning task to find peace here on earth. I know Mike is at peace now. I will remember his jokes, and his ability to make others laugh. And mostly towards the end of his life, the fact that he appeared to be really doing what he wanted to do. One memory of Mike I will share that I will never forget. I was a "rookie" working in Seattle, had my first real bad case and unfortunately the client passed away. I thought for sure I was to be sued or questioned by the family as to why I did not prevent this death. I called Mike on the telephone, I was sweating and worried. Mike heard my story, chuckled, and then instructed me to pull to the side of the road and say 12 hail merry's and 2 are fathers. Suddenly I felt relaxed, and knew I could talk with him and everything would be alright. He was often like that - always there for you. I only worked with Mike for one year, but in that year was blessed to have him as a friend and a supervisor. Again I am so sorry for your loss Donna. My father passed away two months prior to Mike and I like to think he and my dad are sharing their Irish jokes. Angie Fiso
Carmela Smith
October 8, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless and take care.
Smith/Reboton family
Rebar Family (Visitation School)
October 4, 2006
Donna and family,
I'm so sorry we couldn't make it to the service. I think about you and pray for you every day. I hope your faith in God helps you during this difficult time. God bless you!
patricia rosswog
October 3, 2006
"My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort."
Dear Donna and family,
Sue Cox contacted me. I am glad she let me know of Mick's passing. Also, I am glad that she asked me to contact my sisters, Connie and Margaret. Connie, Margaret and I are part of the Bend O'Leary clan. For me, my memories of Mick start and end with the Reuel O'Leary family in Bend. Unfortunately, I lost touch with Mick when his family moved from Bend. However, I recall Marion and Gordon's son. He had pretty blond hair and gorgeous eyes. Also, his ability to take care of himself at a very young age always amazed me.
For you, Donna, and family I feel a real loss. That loss is, also, shared by friends and relatives. I keep thinking what if my cousin had continued to remain here a bit longer?
Unfortunately, your loss is not something you will recover from in a day, a week or a month, I expect. However, I hope that all of you can recover from his passing on your own terms and at the same time be there for one another. If I know anything about my cousin, I know this for sure--he would NOT want his wife and family to be walking around with their chins on the ground. I don't know that he would object if any of you did just that. However, I think he might object if any of you went around day after day with your chin on the ground. He would want you to stay hopeful, I think, and remember him the way you were. Also, I believe Mick would have wanted each of you to take comfort in believing that he is in a new world where life begins again. I am sure his goodness on earth will be rewarded by the Heavenly Father, and that it will continue to live on in each of you. :)
Sincerely and with love, Patti (Patricia) K. O'Leary Rosswog
patricia rosswog
October 3, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Terri Nelson
September 25, 2006
Donna, Lauren, & Sophie,
I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's sudden passing. I spent many a time at Starbuck's talking with Mike about all things religious. There once was a time that he and I talked of teaching a class together. He was truly an inspiration to me and continuosly urged me to return to school and pursue my passion for learning.
I'm so sorry I wasn't able to attend the funeral, but please know that I am always here for you and the girls. I believe God in his divine providence placed Lindsey in the room right across the hall from Lauren. I believe they will be a blessing to each other. Call me if you need anything.
Margaret & Michael Jones
September 23, 2006
Dear Donna, Lauren, Sophia, Andy, Mark and Sarah.
We just heard about Mike today, you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Love and God Bless you all.
Debbie Roberts
September 22, 2006
Mike and I worked together at DDD and became friends.
Mike was a very caring person and frequently spoke of his family and his great love for them.
Mike was a very kind and funny person. He liked to share about his interests.I will always remember and appreciate the things I learned from him (ie Rohr, red wheelbarrows and Beth Orton, etc.).
I will miss Mike and will always remember him.
mary ross
September 21, 2006
Donna, Just wanted you to know that I am deeply sorry for your loss, and I am praying for you. Love Mary Ross, RN, SFH
Marie rabinowitz
September 21, 2006
Dear sweet Donna and family, There are no words that I can speak that will help.. Please know that I send you love and prayers, I will be calling you soon,to help in any way I can. Marie.
Mike and Tim near Big Sur California
September 21, 2006
Rodeo Mike, Ellensburg
September 21, 2006
Pensive Mike, Ellensburg
September 21, 2006
Mike and Tim celebrating Army discharge
September 21, 2006
Mike and children from early 70's in Ellensburg
September 21, 2006
Tim Ruggenberg
September 21, 2006
I started an entry in this book yesterday, but could not finish. The screen got blurry and tears dripped on my desk. I really could not reconcile my conflicted feelings about Mike’s passing. I was relieved that he is now where he always longed to be, but terribly saddened
for his family and friends who will miss him so.
Most of us can count on just one or two fingers who our true lifetime friends are. Mike was mine. We met at Mt Angel seminary in 1959. We were wise and holy 14 year olds destined to become priests and convert the heathens of Africa or Los Angeles, or something. But we both got sidetracked and never made it. I suspect it had something to do with our dawning awareness of the female population.
Mike and I continued our friendship through high school and Seattle U. I got “our” first car, a 1959 VW bug, and we explored the world. We could make it to San Francisco on a weekend, and Tijuana if we could get four days off. I have vivid memories of rolling into Seattle on a Monday morning after driving all night and reporting to ROTC for drill. What fun!
We could always talk about anything, and that was the true basis of our friendship. We talked philosophy, theology, Merton, Steinbeck, the Church, family, marriage, faith, love, mercy, forgiveness, sports, politics, and anything else that came to mind. We talked
freely, openly, honestly, and never once had what you would call an argument.
The call to ministry was still there however. We started exploring Trappist and Carthusian monasteries. We often made trips to the Trappists at Lafayette, in Oregon, and stayed for the weekend. We loved it. I still go back there at least once a year. They remember us well, probably because we were the only teenagers to frequent the
place. We also snuck in some beer, and shot all the noisy frogs in the pond, among other things.
I will relate here a story that captures a part of Mike’s personality pretty well. He wanted holiness, security, structure, and a sense of belonging, but he was a bit of a rebel too. He wanted to have fun, and live life under his own rules. He joined the Trappists as a novice
sometime in the late 60’s. He actually lived the monastic life for about six months, and one day when I was visiting, I was allowed to talk to him for a few minutes. Normally, this would not have been allowed for a novice, but the abbot knew that I too was considering joining the order.
We talked about monastic life a little, but what Mike really wanted was....cigarettes. I went to town and got him a pack. His smile was ear to ear. He was so grateful. I never heard what the novice master said when the obvious smell of cigarette smoke followed Mike back into the cloister.
As adults, we both went about our separate lives with only periodic contact. We both got married, and both wound up in the Army during the Viet Nam war. I went off to war, and Mike became a drill sergeant. ( I am glad I didn’t have him during basic!)
Before he settled into his long term job with DSHS, he had many job descriptions. We both worked at St. Vincent’s home in West Seattle during high school, and later Mike got a job setting up Del Monte displays in grocery stores. Mike was a meat packer, a diamond
salesman, a deputy sheriff, an alcohol treatment counselor, and probably a couple other occupations too.
I will miss him, but at the same time, I still feel I can talk to him at any time.
Tim Ruggenberg
Mary Jo Keil
September 21, 2006
Donna, Lauren, Sophia, Bernie and Theresa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Please know that you are all in my heart and on my mind. God will take care of you ....
Mary Jo Keil (Michael's mom)
Eric Stroo
September 20, 2006
Michael and I formed an immediate bond as fellow grad students at Seattle U. He was eager to talk about the poets he loved, and when I shared an interest he showed up at class the following week with a book to lend. He behaved as if time was short and love very important. May God's peace be with you.
Chris Clifford
September 20, 2006
It's sad to see Mike go. He was a good role model to me and was there when I needed someone to talk to. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Love you Mike
Brad Samples
September 20, 2006
To the Padgett Family,
I knew and worked with Michael at DDD for the short time he was there. As Terry H. said before, our office is deeply saddened at his passing. He was in a different unit than mine but in my conversations with him, in seeing him through the course of the day his positive and sensitive spirit was evident. He always shared a smile and a good word. I am sure that those he worked with and those who knew him best were truly blessed and enriched by this relationship. My concolences to his family...I am given strength, understanding and acceptance in reading your words. Positive thoughts and prayers to you.
patricia mason
September 20, 2006
to my dear sister and my two girls, how i love you and grieve for and with you. you mean everything to us and we will take care of you forever..i love you so much.
trish, troy & shawn
mark padgett
September 20, 2006
Donna, Lauren, and Sophia,
I love you all so very much. My thoughts and prayers are for you all. Take Care.
Judie Belka
September 20, 2006
To Michael's Family:
Michael was one of the first students I met at Seattle U. I am greatly saddened by your loss. Please know that he is in our hearts and prayers as are you.
Tim and Ursula Bye
September 20, 2006
The last time I saw Mike and his family was Saturday I cannot believe it would be the last , I guess you never know when the trumpet will blow. Ill miss Mike and always look back with a smile at the times we had even though it was just a quick laugh or just a few words but it always ment alot. Our prayers and thoughts are with Donna and the rest of the family at this time No words can say enough. love,
Tim [Safeway} and Ursula {universal Travel] Bye
martha ellis-sears
September 20, 2006
dear donna and family i am so sorry for your loss. my prayers are with you at this time love always, martha ellis-sears
Jessie Wahlenmaier
September 20, 2006
I went to school with Michael at Seattle U. He made a difference in the lives he touched.
Rosie Davis
September 20, 2006
Dear Donna and family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am very sorry we could not make the service.
Mick's cousin,
Hayley
September 20, 2006
I'm so shocked. Lauren is one of my best friends in the world, and I can't believe this has happened. I just want to say to his family, we're all there for you and we love you.
Tony Arbow
September 20, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Celia Clifford-Thomas
September 20, 2006
Dearest Donna & Family,
Few times in life, do we meet someone who is always so kind, so thoughtful, that they make such a lasting impression on our lives & the community, as your Beloved Mike.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Husband & Father with us too.
Please know that there are those of us next door, who will be watching over you, & we are only a phone call away.
You are in my prayers & thoughts,
Celia (Chris' Mom)
Terry Hehemann
September 20, 2006
To Michael's family,
I work at DDD and just met Michael when he came to work in our office. Everyone at DDD is shocked and saddened by his death. I hope the memories of what Michael meant to you will sustain you in this time of grief.
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