Michael Laux

Michael "Mike" P. LAUX Died January 23, 2005 of a heart attack brought on by an acute episode of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Mike is survived by his son Michael, Michael's mother Joyce Laux, her two children Brian McCleary and Michele Keyes, and four grandchildren, Mykal Anne and Daniel Jack Keyes and Lila Marie and Adeline Rose McCleary. Mike was born January 1, 1939, and was the first child in Bozeman, Montana that year. His twin brother Jerry was a close second. Mike always took pride in being the older brother. Their parents were Margaret Gary Laux, teacher, and Herman John Laux, engineer. The twins graduated from West Seattle High School in 1956 and were nominated and accepted into the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. As a cadet Jerry had the distinction of being the youngest in the Corps, holding this distinction over Mike by a few minutes. After leaving the Coast Guard Academy, Mike served a tour in the Army and returned to Seattle in the early 60's and became involved in insurance and real estate. He was a U of W business graduate and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In 1971 he married Joyce; their son Michael was born in 1974. Mike and Jerry remained very close although Jerry's career as an airline pilot meant that they lived far apart. Both brothers were avid collectors and students of horology. Jerry became one of the world's leading experts in English watches of the 19th century while Mike became the leading authority on the Elgin Watch Company. The two brothers became fixtures at the conventions of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. Sadly, Jerry died of lung cancer on September 3, 2001 after retiring on his birthday in 1999. With their plans uprooted, Mike took on the task of being the best of both brothers to all their friends. He was succeeding admirably when he was diagnosed several months ago with the condition that would soon take his life. Mike and Jerry divided the world between them with Jerry the researcher and technician of everything from world economics to old watches and Mike the connoisseur of fine wines, fine cigars and the scholar of American industry and its development. Mike combined two traits that are unusual together; he had superb collecting skills plus an ability and willingness to befriend fellow collectors. He was widely admired for his knowledge and willingness to share it. Mike became interested in the practical application of technology to business and was a player in the development of satellite/cable systems for large buildings and condominium complexes. He was responsible for significant projects in the Chicago area in the early 1990's and continued in the business through a number of mergers and acquisitions until his recent full retirement. He owned a PEMCO Insurance Agency for many years. Mike was the exemplar of the "best friend," with a willingness to help in any way he could both new friends and old ones. He will be terribly missed by all of us. Information: 206-283-9117.