Michael Rust

Michael RUST Age 50, passed on to the next place on December 3, 2007, in his own home showered by the love of his family. With great courage and dignity, he had battled a dragon, acute myeloid leukemia, for 15 months. Michael was born in Hempstead, New York, July 27, 1957. He graduated from Cold Spring Harbor High School and after a freshman year at Lehigh University , Michael transferred to the University of Washington where he studied geology, paying his way working at the cyclotron, machine shop and working on boats. He completed a degree in Industrial Arts at Western Washington University and began a career in education. He was an outstanding woodworker and strongly believed that young people should have the opportunity to be prepared for the trades and learn how to use tools and make beautiful and useful items. He taught earth science and wood shop at South Shore Middle School; machine shop at South Seattle Community College and physics/principles of technology, wood shop and machine shop at Tahoma High School. A career change led Michael through the JATC apprenticeship program to become a journeyman IBEW electrician in 2004 after which he rapidly became a foreman with General Construction. He loved his work, the challenges and camaraderie. Michael was proudly Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 9 in 2004 and remained active in the Lodge as long as he could. His fraternal activities and relationships were an important part of his life. Michael was a true renaissance man and a character. He had a brilliant mind, and was a born leader and teacher. He was enormously entertaining - a great conversationalist, interesting and funny. He was a voracious reader from early childhood and remembered everything he read. Michael was an avid sailor and sailing instructor. He was a history buff and he relished travel. He built exquisite furniture, examples of which are scattered far and wide among friends and family and known as "Michael droppings." He earned a gold medal as a distinguished rifleman in 1996, was fascinated by bicycles and binoculars, adored German Shepherds, enjoyed geocaching and rock hunting, took a great deal of pleasure in good food and drink, perfected real Texas-style barbecue brisket, and seemed to know how to do most everything. Michael is survived by his soul mate and wife, Alexandra; stepsons, Damian Puggelli and Orion Brown; parents, Robert and Abby Rust; brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Judy Rust; nieces and nephews, Leigh Michael, Alyssa, and Lindsey Rust; and a most incredible circle of friends, all who love him dearly. He was overwhelmed by the unrelenting love from all during his illness. Most of all, Michael hoped that he wouldn’t be forgotten anyone who knew him would agree that’s unlikely. A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Michael‘s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th, 2007, at Greenwood Masonic Lodge, 7910 Greenwood North in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Michael to City of Hope Leukemia Program, 1309 114th SE, Bellevue, WA 98004.