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Mike Carrell Obituary
Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler said Carrell died at a Seattle hospital of lung complications from his ongoing treatment of stem cell transplants from his brother and chemotherapy. Schoesler said that Carrell died in his sleep with his wife, Charlotte, nearby.
Earlier this year, the Lakewood Republican was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, also known as pre-leukemia. The chronic disease affects blood-forming stem cells.
In a statement, Schoesler said Carrell was a "kind, warm and gracious man, with a great sense of humor and strong convictions."
"His commitment to his community was always evident in his work, and you always knew exactly where you stood with him," Schoesler wrote. "At the same time, he worked every day he was at the Capitol to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan manner and to get results for his constituents and this state."
Carrell, a retired math and science teacher, served 10 years in the House before first being elected to the Senate in 2004. He's been re-elected to the Senate twice, most recently in November. This past legislative session, he was chairman of the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee, but was out much of the latter half of the legislative session because of health issues.
"I worked alongside him for many years in the Legislature and Mike was as collaborative a legislator as they get," Sen. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma, said in a written statement. "No one spent more time analyzing bills than Mike did, even as he was undergoing chemotherapy. He was a tireless champion for Pierce County."
An update written Tuesday on a website put together by friends raising money for his medical costs indicated a turn in his condition, saying that he had trouble fightin g off fevers and nausea and was in grave condition.
Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee called Carrell a "gentleman and a committed public servant."
"He will be missed by his constituents, fellow lawmakers and everyone who has worked with him over his long career," Inslee said in a written statement. "His service to his constituents and our state will not be forgotten."
Carrell is survived by his wife, their three sons and five grandchildren.
RACHEL LA CORTE, Associated Press
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
32 Entries
Betty and Dirk Jameson
August 23, 2013
Dear Charlotte,
Dirk and I just learned of Mike's death from my sister Carol. We are so sorry for your loss and also that we never had the privilege of meeting him. In looking over the comments people have written, I know that was our loss. He was a man who loved what he did and served the people well. Knowing your loving family is a comfort, we wish you peace as you deal with this and can only imagine how hard it must be. Much love to you and your family, Betty and Dirk Jameson
Debby Swecker
June 11, 2013
We were saddened to hear that Senator Carrell had passed away. It was a pleasure to be involved with him in Olympia. May your family find peace and healing.
Rosemary McAuliffe
June 9, 2013
My sincere condolences to Senator Mike Carrell's family. He served the people of the State of Washington with his heart and his mind. He cared deeply for the most vulnerable, those who struggled to restructure their lives. He supported policies that supported those in need and held them accountable. He was a Senatior for the people, he loved the opportunity to serve them. You should all be proud of the impact he made on the lives of the people in the State of Washington.
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Marsha Evans
June 7, 2013
I didn't know him as a politician, but knew him as Mr. Carrell, my science teacher. I'm a little shocked to realize how young he was back when I was in his class (many) decades ago. I remember him as funny and goofy but overall I think it says something that among the many teachers I've had in my life, that he is one of those I remember. Rest in peace.
Donna Prewitt
June 4, 2013
I am greatly saddened that Mike lost his battle with his illness. I can't imagine anyone doing more for his district. I was so impressed with his sincerity and concern and his responses. My condolences to your family. May time bring only happy memories.
Amy Kellogg
June 4, 2013
Charlotte and Family,
I had the privilege to get to know Mike when I was part of the Lakewood First Lions. He always had a smile and was always so willing to help someone out when they needed it. I have profound respect for Mike and his sense of morality as well as his genuine passion to support our State's most vulnerable people. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet such an amazing person. I am deeply sorry for your loss, God Bless you all.
~Amy Kellogg
Debbie Regala
June 4, 2013
Charlotte, My sincere sympathies to you and the whole family. I truly enjoyed working with Mike over the past few years. He was always gracious and willing to listen to my point of view. Together we were able to make valuable contributions to Human Services and Corrections policy.
Mike was thoughtful, thorough and tireless in his Legislative work. He will certainly be missed.
You are in my prayers.
God's Peace be with you.
Joanne Farrar
June 3, 2013
so sorry for your loss. Mike was the only republican I voted for. He was always quick to get back, if one had an issue. He will be much missed.
Jeanne Kohl-Welles
June 2, 2013
It's with great sadness that I sign this guest book. My condolences to Mike's family for their deep loss. While I am a Democratic senator, I worked closely with Mike on many issues and legislation throughout his time in the Senate, most recently on human trafficking and protection of vulnerable citizens. He always was considerate, thoughtful, and respectful, even when we held different positions on a bill. He also was a man of convictions, demonstrating tenacity and passion in upholding his positions and values in his legislative work. And he consistently embodied a sense of fairness as well as a keen intellect. As Chair of the Human Services & Corrections Committee, he worked hard to advance Democratic as well as Republican bills that he believed reflected good public policy.
It's very hard to think of his not being with us in the Senate. His accomplishments were vast and his collegiality was enjoyed.
Colleen Morse
June 1, 2013
In my years working in the Legislature, I had the great honor to work for several great people who happened also to be members of the Legislature. Four of them I considered not only my boss but my friend. One was Mike's seatmate, Rep. Gigi Talcott. Working for her and Mike in their district office gave me the insight of how to serve the people and how to treat everyone who came to our door or called the office. Mike and Gigi were a power couple in the "legislative" sense and Mike & Gigi were great servants to the citizens of the 28th Legislative District. My last few months at the Legislature I finally got to work for Mike. What a fun time it was as he was always full of energy, willing to work to better the human condition and treated his staff with the utmost respect. Earlier this year I returned to the Legislature to say farewell to several retiring Senators. The first person I saw was Mike. I am so glad I took the time to go that day. Our brief meeting will always be a fond memory. Charlotte, my prayers are with you now. I know you will miss Mike, as we all will. Blessings to your whole family - he treasured you all.
Harry Hamlin
May 31, 2013
A pleasure to know this man. He was a born gentleman, reflexively compassionate and willing to listen to any point of view.
Nathaniel Schlicher
May 31, 2013
Was honored to share the front row with him this year in the Senste. While a freshman appointee, he was always gracious and helpful even from the other side of the aisle. He was a generous and caring man, god bless him on his journey home and his family,
Karen Fraser
May 31, 2013
Dear family and friends of Mike Carrell--
It was a pleasure to be in association with Sen. Carrell in the Washington State Senate for many years. He and I had a cordial relationship and were able to interact comfortably and pleasantly with each other on a wide variety of issues.
I especially appreciated working with him on some specific issues related to South Puget Sound which affected both our Legislative Districts: protection of Tolmie State Park, and planning for the future of McNeil Island. He was particularly concerned about protecting the historical features of McNeil Island.
I am also appreciative of his successful efforts to improve mental health services. This will be a continuing benefit to the people of the state.
Sen Carrell was always an informed, actively engaged Member of the Senate---which I always appreciated.
I did sign his petition to name the overpass near JBLM "Freedom Bridge" and think of him and his dedication to military families every time I pass under it---which is frequently.
I will greatly miss him, and send my sincere condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Karen Fraser, State Senator, 22nd Legislative District
Mark Mullet
May 31, 2013
I was elected as a Senator this past year so only worked with Mike for a few months. He was very gracious by helping the new guy get up to speed on how things work in Olympia. I will miss him.
Mark Schoesler
May 31, 2013
I was honored to have Mike as a fellow member of the House and the Senate every one of his 19 years of service. He was always a outstanding member of the legislature and a great Father, Husband and Grandfather. His passing is a loss to all of the people of the State of Washington.
Judy Rogers-LaVigne
May 31, 2013
Charlotte and family, thank you for sharing Mike with the people of the state of Washington. It was a pleasure to know him and he will be greatly missed. God bless you.
C B
May 31, 2013
To the Carrell family: May the memories you cherish fill your heart with peace today and give you the strength and courage to sustain you on your way. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
May 31, 2013
To the family of MIKE CARRELL I send my heartfelt condolences.During this difficult tme I hope you draw comfort from the GOD of comfort.
ISAIAH 61.1,2.
Sincerely,
Ms Carruth
Jacque O'Dell
May 30, 2013
What a loss to the people of the state of Washington. Senator Carrell was a rare politician who never comprised his integrity.. There certainly must be a special place in Heaven for men such as this.
May 30, 2013
Prayers are with the family. I also suffer from cancer and I know what you have been through.
May 30, 2013
Dear Carrell Family,
God's word promise that soon sickness and death will be a time of the past.
Kathy Foster
May 30, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.Sending my deepest sympathy to the family. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
May 30, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mike Carrell. I know he will be missed dearly. May the God of comfort who comforts us in our time of sorrow be with your family at this difficult time.
May 30, 2013
Offering my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. May prayers to our heveanly father bring comfort to the family. (Psalms 65:2)Barb Meill
May 30, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
Jane Dowling
May 30, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
May 29, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I hope you can find some comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
Jim Kenfield
May 29, 2013
I knew Mike quite well when I operated my business in Lakewood. Mike was truly one of a kind in that he did not follow the liberal line of politics like a lot of educators. Our education system needs more, many more, like him. My condolences to his family.
Dwayne Bickham
May 29, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Linda Mittan
May 29, 2013
God bless you Mike Carrell You were a man of honesty and integrity I enjoyed working with you and the attention that you gave the issues. My deepest condolences to your family. There is a special place in heaven for you.
Toni and Rick Aulerich and Searles
May 29, 2013
Mike was a true friend to us and we are greatly saddened to hear of his passing. He was instrumental in serving the 28th District for not only his friends and family but for everyone. Our heartfelt sympathy during this time go to his wife Charlotte and to his family.
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