Michael D'Hondt
February 20, 1958 - June 26, 2022
Bellingham, Washington - Michael (Mike) D'Hondt, of Bellingham Washington, was born to Charles and Virginia D'Hondt on February 20, 1958 in Spokane, Washington. He was the first of four boys and grew up in Tacoma. Mike married his wife Lisa Faling, of Kelso in 1988. They have two children, Bryant and Grace.
Mike attended Henry Foss High School in Tacoma and was a starter on the 1975 State Championship Football team. He attended Western Washington University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education and later a Master's Degree in Educational Technology at City University. Mike was a teacher at Happy Valley Elementary School in Bellingham and coached football at Whatcom Middle School. He retired from teaching in June 2021. Following his retirement, Happy Valley Community purchased "Mr. D's Buddy Bench", which is located on the playground, for students to sit if they needed a friend. Mike and his family attended Bellingham Covenant Church for many years. He served in many ways-Youth Group, Fika Cafe (Barista), usher, and grounds maintenance team.
Mike was a man of deep faith and conviction, modeling rich morals and love. He showed his love for others by works of service, counseling, and loving others. Mike genuinely cared for each and every one of his students over the many years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, Tuesday morning prayer group, Papa's early mornings with his grandson Colton, and time spent with family.
Mike is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lisa, son Bryant D'Hondt, daughter Grace Vivanco and son-in-law Alex Vivanco, grandson Colton, mother Virginia D'Hondt, and brothers Christopher D'Hondt (wife Teri, son Michael, daughter Aimee), David D'Hondt (wife Kelly, daughter Alexis), Gregory D'Hondt. He is also survived by his in-laws, Leroy and Sharon Faling, Kristie Faling (son Barris), Kari Johnson (husband Cory, sons Blair and Tyson, daughters Alysse and Lindsey), four great nieces, extended family and countless dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Charles D'Hondt, and nephew Zachary D'Hondt. Mike died suddenly at home with Lisa by his side.
There will be a Memorial Service at Bellingham Covenant Church on July 16, 2022 at 1:00. The service will be live-streamed https://youtu.be/c76Wv8PKthU. The link can also be found on the Church website. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bellingham Schools Foundation, Bellingham Covenant Church or Seattle Children's Hospital.

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Published by & from Jul. 9 to Jul. 10, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael D'Hondt

16 Entries

Frank

May 2, 2024

Mike was my coach at Whatcom middle school. I remember having a really good game and he pulled me out. I was so mad, and he put me back in the next play. After the end to that season he told me to keep playing that i was good. He was a great coach.

Jennifer MacGregor

May 18, 2023

Our family misses him terribly. We had no idea until recently. He meant so much to us and especially our youngest, Willow. She would like to pay her respects. Is there a memorial for him somewhere?

Amy Keiper

September 20, 2022

I look for Mike to be standing at the entrance to the BCC sanctuary each time I enter...he always had a big smile for me and would ask how teaching was going. He would encourage me, share a story of his own, and just be a reassuring presence. I'm so grateful to have him as an example and to have experienced his kindness!

Renae (Ross) Gehrcke

August 23, 2022

When ever anyone asks who was your favorite teacher of all time I respond hands down Mr. D. I had him for 5th grade and he was by far the most amazing teacher I ever had. He made learning fun. The year I had him Lisa was pregnant with Bryant and our class threw him a baby shower. We were all so excited for his baby to arrive. I am so incredibly saddened by his passing and he will forever be my favorite. I think it's impossible for anyone to ever know the impact this man had on so many kids across his career. Rest well Mr. D

Megen Ellis

August 3, 2022

I was in Mr. D's first 5th grade class at happy valley. I had never had a "boy" teacher and was pretty skeptical. It turned out that he was one my favorite teachers. Undeniably, one of if not the best teachers I ever had. What a loss to his family and the community as a whole. He will definitely be missed and remembered.

Sharon (Martinson) Bishop

July 16, 2022

I was just shocked when I read that Michael D'Hondt passed away. I am so sorry for everyone's loss. He was such a kind person. I have known Mr. D since he taught at Larrabee Elementary School. Mike met Lisa while she was student teaching at Larrabee. My granddaughter and I have enjoyed sitting on the Memory Bench at Happy Valley when I would take her to soccer practice. I am so sorry I can't make it today but I will try to live stream it.

Mary Slifer

July 12, 2022

Mary Slifer

July 12, 2022

Mary Slifer

July 12, 2022

Oh Mike I can´t believe you are gone. Your smile and laugh are etched in my mind. I am so glad we got to see you at the 40th reunion and get this picture with you and some of the gang. You brought Joy to every life you touched. It is comforting to know you are with Jesus and We will see you again dear brother in Christ. My prayers of comfort to your family.

Kevin Otteson

July 11, 2022

Mike became a friend of mine during college at Western Washington University. I appreciate the kind and generous person he was during the 3 years I shared college housing with him. Mike was a man of true faith in Jesus.

Lindsey Duppenthaler

July 10, 2022

Mr. D wasn´t my teacher, much to my disappointment, but my best friend was in his class. He would always go out of his way to say hi to me in the hallway and always made me feel as though I was one of his kids. We had a joke where we would say "hi gang!" when we saw each other, which started because he saw me with my friends and then we would tease him about being a gang of one. I´m so sorry for your loss. It was clear to me, way back in elementary school, that Mr. D was one of the greats.

Pat and Robin Preisinger

July 9, 2022

I found a great photo of Mike taken during a Fun Run at Happy Valley. To this day, he is one of Sam's most memorable teachers. We are so grateful for how he inspired her, encouraged her, and made her laugh.

Pat and Robin Preisinger

July 9, 2022

My daughter was in Mike's 5th grade class many years ago. She absolutely LOVED him. He went out of his way to make kids feel valued and smart. We are so sorry for your loss!

Brigette Dean

July 9, 2022

Mr D'Hondt was my favorite teacher. He made everything fun and our class always had the best time.
I would go visit him whenever I could and make him "feel old" so he claimed.
My thoughts are with your family. He was truly a great person and teacher.

Nancy Wagar

July 9, 2022

I am so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I was a collegue of his at Happy Valley, and will never forget his love and caring for everyone, especially his students. It was a pleasure to work with him, and I saw him periodically, even after he retired. My 3 grandchildren all attended HV and though they did not have him as a teacher, the kids all knew and loved him! I send prayers to Lisa, Bryant and Grace and all the family members. He will be missed in this community.

Mary and Tim Irvin

July 8, 2022

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I taught with him for many years at Happy Valley and enjoyed his smile, his kindness, and his willingness to joke about Huskies vs. Cougars. He was obviously a talented and intelligent teacher. My sympathy to his beloved family. Mary Irvin

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