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BORN
1958
DIED
2022
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Michael McDonough Obituary
February 24, 1958 - November 27, 2022
University Place, Washington - Michael John McDonough, 64, died on November 27, 2022 in his home in University Place, Washington after a long and difficult battle with cancer.
Michael was born in Tacoma, Washington on February 24, 1958. He attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1976. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and earned his MD from St. Louis University Medical School. Michael did an internal medicine internship in San Francisco at St. Mary's Hospital and did residencies in radiation oncology in San Antonio, at the Ohio State University, and at Wayne State University. He returned to Tacoma in 2001 where he worked as a radiation oncologist with Tacoma Radiation Oncology Centers. He held this position for 20 years until cancer forced his retirement in 2021.
Michael was a long-time member of Fircrest Golf Club and was an avid golfer. He loved music, especially jazz, and acquired an extensive record collection. He enjoyed reading and loved to spend time out on Puget Sound on his boat. He enjoyed watching sports and attended all of his son's extracurricular activities.
Michael was the epitome of courage and faith in adversity. He will be remembered as a compassionate doctor, a loving husband and father, and a dear friend.
Michael is survived by his wife of 27 years, Wendy, and their sons Patrick and Brian. He is also survived by his sister Patricia VanAchte, his brothers Kevin McDonough and Terrence McDonough (Christina), his stepbrother John Dionas (Melinda), his stepmother Elizabeth McDonough, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas McDonough and Avis Vye as well as his nephews Markus VanAchte and Joseph Dionas.
Michael's funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 10th at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Tacoma, Washington. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church along with a burial at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael's name to the Tacoma Youth Symphony, St. Charles Borromeo, or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael McDonough
Sponsored by Gaffney Funeral Home.
mandy imholt candler
December 18, 2022
Dr. McDonough was my father's doctor during a very difficult time for our family. He was a very calm and kind man, as well as an excellent physician. Condolences on your loss.
Tom Baker
December 11, 2022
I worked with him and was a patient of his. He was a very nice man and I would not have had any other doctor. I survived because of him.
Thomas Baker
Tony Batinovich
December 7, 2022
Went to Bellarmine with Mike. He was one of the true great guys in the Class 1976.
Susie Bissonnette
December 6, 2022
I worked with Dr McDonough for 12 years and enjoyed his humor, professionalism as well as his compassionate care of his patients! He has always had my deepest respect! May Wendy and his boys hold on to their loving memories of their "rock"! He touched many lives!
Susie Bissonnette
'Boo' Basia J Buczkiewicz
December 5, 2022
From his courtship of Wendy through his journey as husband, father, and friend Michael lived for what he loved. His compassion for the journey of his patients and commitment to supporting them should inspire all physicians. I will always remember our "roomie" with love.
Marie Andersen
December 4, 2022
What a great tribute. Mike was an amazing man! I saw the kindness he treated his patients and we knew him to be a great Husband, great Father and friend to many. A great loss. Sending my love and prayers to
Wendy, Patrick, Brian and all his family
So sorry for your loss
Allen and Marie Andersen
Linda Swensen
December 4, 2022
I was a patient of Dr. McDonough several years ago. He was a warm light during a dark period in my life. I will remember him for his compassion and kindness. Sending my love and condolences to his family and friends.
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