MICHAEL SCOTT WICKERSHAM

January 12, 1944-December 13, 2017

Michael (Mike) Scott Wickersham, 73, died peacefully at home in Sammamish, WA, on December 13, 2017 following a lengthy illness. He was born on January 12, 1944 in Camp White, OR, just outside of Medford, OR, to Virginia King Wickersham and Scott Wickersham. He attended elementary and high schools in Medford. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in wildlife science and began his career at the Nevada Department of Wildlife shortly thereafter. He spent over 30 years with the Nevada Division of Wildlife as a biologist, game supervisor, regional manager, and Chief of Wildlife Diversity. After retiring in 2001, he and his family moved to Sammamish, WA. In Sammamish, he worked part-time for the YMCA and then began a nine-year stint as an inspector with the Washington Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures program. He retired for a second time on July 1, 2017.

Mike is well-known for his support of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a leader for both dens and troops. He loved sports particularly football and baseball; playing and coaching both sports. He loved all outdoor activities, especially fishing and hunting. He spent decades as a big game measurer for Boone and Crockett, Pope and Young, and the Nevada Wildlife Record book. Mike also served as the Nevada State President of the Wildlife Society-the professional association for wildlife managers. Aside from his beloved family, his devotion to sound conservation policies and practices, and his level-headed commitment to wildlife management are his legacy. If you've hunted big game in Nevada, particularly elk, then you can thank Mike Wickersham. He was responsible for negotiating difficult publicrivate partnerships that allowed big game populations in Nevada to flourish.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Wickersham; father, Scott Wickersham; and daughter Jessica Carter. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Paula Del Giudice Wickersham, Sammamish, WA; sons Mike Shaun (Kathy), Labrador City, Labrador, Canada; Tim (Colette) Elko, NV; and Kevin (Brianna), Lacey, WA; daughter, Katie Wickersham, Fort Worth, TX; sister Linda Kremer (Neil) and brother Rick (Denise); grandchildren Chase, Josh (Brittney), Grant, Benton, Ryan, Ellen, and Jacob Carter; and great-granddaughter Jessica; nieces and nephews Sara Kremer, Shelly, and Traci.

A private memorial is being planned.

Mike's family is grateful for the wonderful care he received from all the doctors and nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle and the entire care team at Providence Hospice.

Memorial donations may be made to Elko Bighorns Unlimited, P.O. Box 2233, Elko, NV 89801, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Nevada, 4327 Titan Ct., Sparks, NV 89436, or Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave N Ste. 300, Seattle, WA 98109.