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Michael Dunmire Obituary
October 4, 1944 ~ March 29, 2014
On Saturday, March 29, 2014, Michael passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was a devoted husband to his wife Phyllis for 20 years. He is also survived by his Sister Penni Ferry and his great-nephew Matthew Ferry of Arizona.
Mike is a native of Metropolis, Illinois, but lived most of his early life in the Arlington, Virginia area. He made his home for the last 39 years in Woodinville. He attended the University of Pennsylvania where he received his degree in mechanical engineering and after graduating he proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the US Army in Germany from 1966-1968. His education took a different turn when he returned to the states; he found an interest in the financial world and earned his MBA from Columbia University.
Mike had a long and successful career in investment manage-ment. After graduation from Columbia, he worked as an investment analyst for Bankers Trust Co. in New York before moving to Washington in 1975 to become the Director of Investment Research at Seattle First National Bank In the early 1980s he worked at Cable, Howse & Reagan in Seattle and in 1986 he created the Frank Russell Company's Alternative Investment Strategies Department in Tacoma. In 1988, Mike co-founded and became President of Paradigm Partners, Inc. which was sold to a Fortune 50 pension fund in 1995. In 1996, Mike and his partner Robert Ferguson founded Benchmark Plus, managing super enhanced index funds. In 2005, Mike retired from the business world.
Mike had been involved with Little Bit Therapeutic Riding since 1980, wearing many hats, from financial advisor to bar-b-que chef to help enhance the lives of those with disabilities. He continued that relationship with even more vigor once he retired. He also served on the board of Tessera incorporating his skills from Little Bit to help serve those with Autism. Mike's philanthropic style was to seek individuals or organizations to support. He never missed an opportunity to help mentor or nurture someone in need.
Mike's love of his country and state was profound, which led him to become actively involved in planning and supporting many initiatives in Washington State. He was passionate about his beliefs and defended them quite fiercely.
Mike was an exemplary husband, brother, uncle and friend, who was admired, and will be missed by all. The world was a better place because of him.
A celebration of Mike's life will begin at 12noon on April 18, 2014 at the Bear Creek Country Club, Woodinville, WA.
The family suggests remem-brances to Little Bit Therapeutic Riding at Dunmire Stables, 18675 NE 106th St., Redmond, WA 98052 or www.littlebit.org.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family's on-line guest book at
WWW.FLINTOFTS.COM.
Arrangements by Flintoft's Funeral Home 425-392-6444
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Dunmire
Sponsored by The Family.
Joseph Costantini
April 2, 2024
Mick, we all miss you even ten years later.
That is a good thing, I think.
Joe
Joseph M Costantini
May 4, 2014
Mike (Mick) and I grew up together in Arlington; I am his cousin. I will remember Mick not only as my cousin but as my best friend throughout our childhood and into adulthood. Mick is one of the finest people who ever lived on this earth; the world is a better place because of him and we will miss him greatly. Not mentioned in is obit is that Mick was a great football player and went to U Penn on a Football scholarship but was injured. He was a mainstay on the famous Washington- Lee high school defensive squad known as "the Untoucables." As a person, Mick was indeed untouchable .
Joseph M. Costantini, PhD.
Melanie Herrin and family
April 15, 2014
My husband and I met Mike for the first and last time at Phyllis and Mike's wedding. I worked with
Phyllis in Dade County and she was
my mentor and became a beautiful
friend. She had then met the man of
her dreams and moved to Washington to live the life she so
deserved. Thank you Mike, for making my friend, Phyllis, so happy then and forevermore!!! You were truly a blessing and I only wish I could have seen you again! My sympathy to Phyllis and the family. May he always be an angel on her shoulder! Love you Phyllis!
April 14, 2014
Mike's legacy will endure as Washington Citizens use the initiative process to curtail the abuses of government.
John L
April 14, 2014
Mike was a wonderful man and I am privileged to have known him as a friend.
Bob Wallace
April 12, 2014
When I think about Mike, a smile and a hug come to mind. He was always happy to see you. He will be missed My deepest sympathy to you Phyllis, because I know how hard this is. Much love. Margie
Tom & Leola
April 9, 2014
He was a brilliant man. we always appreciated his valuable advise, quick wit and sense of humor. He will be missed!
Luann & Eric Berman
April 9, 2014
Mike's smile was contagious. He was a generous and kind man. His missed by many. Our deepest sympathies go to you.
Rosie Welcome
April 9, 2014
Sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing him with you at the shows.
April 9, 2014
My heart and prayers are with you
April 7, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
Charles Burnett
April 7, 2014
Mike will be missed by many in the disability community
as well as patriotic causes. He was a very good man!
Charlie Burnett
Kathy Alm
April 7, 2014
This picture of Mike sums it up. He always had a smile and was willing to do just about anything to make other people's lives better. His support of Little Bit was legendary because it was all about the people. The greatest comfort I have is feeling him all around me as I wander around Dunmire Stables and picturing the riders and horses that have gone before him, welcoming him. In particular, I can hear Margo and her "Oh, Boy! Oh, Boy! Oh, Boy!" My heart is with Phyllis.
April 7, 2014
Mike, you will be missed by so many. We will miss your smile and talks about politics. We love you and will always be in our hearts. God speed Mike. Love Terry & Joan Forrest
storme davidson
April 7, 2014
So Sorry to hear of your loss, he was a great guy. Storme
April 6, 2014
I first met Mike in 1987 when I was a new Little Bit volunteer and Mike was on the Board of Directors. Back then, Little Bit survived on a shoestring budget and the passionate devotion of a very small staff and large group of volunteers -- like Mike (and he wasn't even a horse person!). Mike was smart, friendly, witty, kind -- and he envisioned a future in which Little Bit would finally achieve the financial stability needed to expand the program to the growing backlog of people clamoring for its services. Many other devoted Little Bit supporters have come and gone over all these years, but Mike has steadfastly remained an active and vital mentor, and the Little Bit of today is Mike's living legacy. Mike was one of the original good guys and he will always be remembered by those of us lucky enough to know him. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family in their grief and loss. Happy trails, Mike. Sandi Rafchiek
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