Michael J. O'Sullivan

1941 - 2016

Michael J. O'Sullivan

Our beloved brother and uncle, Michael James O'Sullivan (aka Mike Sullivan) of Allyn, Washington, passed away on May 4, 2016, at the Washington State Veterans Home, Retsil WA with family at his side.

Michael was born on November 13, 1941 in Bremerton, WA to James W. and M. Helen (Rutledge) Sullivan. Growing up, "Mike" was a Cub Scout and later a Sea Scout, with a particular love for the water, building a sailboat in high school shop with a shamrock sail especially ordered from Japan. He later built a kayak and spent many hours in both boats enjoying Hood Canal. He loved music, Irish and classical particularly. Mike had a wonderful sense of humor and an Irish twinkle in his eye. He graduated from West High School in Bremerton in 1960 and in 1965 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management at Washington State University. From there he enlisted in the Army under the college option program which guaranteed him Officers Candidate School. He completed OCS and was commissioned August 1966. Mike and brother Corky, also commissioned, volunteered for service in Vietnam with the rank of Second Lieutenants. Mike served as Combat Infantry Officer in Vietnam with the First Calvary, earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and 2 Purple Hearts. He was leading his men on a mission when a land mine exploded, severing his right leg and causing other serious injuries. He was medically retired in 1968 as a First Lieutenant.

Community leadership began with organizing the Olympic Artists Association in Bremerton, serving as President and helping membership grow from 7 to 270 while establishing ties with Olympic College. After moving to Seattle, Mike attended the University of Washington, receiving a BA Degree in Anthropology in 1982 and a Master of Arts Degree in Museum Science through the Burke Museum in 1990.

In the process, he followed his dream of embracing his Irish heritage and opened an Irish import shop in Pioneer Square in Seattle, Wee Bit O' Ireland, Inc. He traveled to Ireland frequently, renovating a farm house, Ballyboe Cottage in Dunkineely, Ireland and spent several months there each year. He was past President of the Pioneer Square Association, on the board of the Ethnic Heritage Council of the Pacific Northwest, active with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and was Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Several years later Michael retired and moved to Allyn, WA where he was active in the Allyn Community Association, helped establish the North Bay Historical Society serving as first Executive Director in 1997 and worked on preserving and restoring the local landmark, the Allyn Historic Church, as well as other community projects.

Survivors include sister, Jean (George) Copper of Bremerton; brother James "Corky" (Audrey) of Silverdale; niece Marnie (Ed) Cunningham, Seattle; nephews James (Ceilita) Thornburgh, CA; Michael (Melissa) Thornburgh of Auburn; Casey (Caitlin) Sullivan, Gig Harbor; Shea (Olivia) Sullivan, Tacoma, and great nephews/nieces: Mackenzie, Riley, Matt, and Jimmy Thornburgh, Taylor, Raegan, and Landon Sullivan, Natasha Streminski, Rylan Propst and Mike's beloved dog Bo. Mike was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Marnie Sullivan Marr. Mike was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be missed by all.

A military service will be held at Mt. Tahoma in the near future. Donations may be made to the Allyn Community Association P.O. Box 52, Allyn, WA 98524, the Wounded Warriors or charity of your choice.

Please sign Michael's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.