Michael GOOLIE

Anchorage - Michael Todd Goolie of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at Providence Hospital. His loving wife of 24 years, Mary Goolie, was at his side holding his hand. They had met in the fall of 1994, married in the summer of 1999, and had made a great life in Anchorage with their girls and Alaska Family enjoying every life milestone and holiday gatherings. Mike had made Alaska his home 30 years ago and he loved being outdoors. He had explored Alaska by hiking, skiing, fishing, and rafting. He spent this past fall traveling back and forth to his Flat Lake cabin in his pontoon with his pack of dogs to clear a hiking trail. Mike was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer in the summer of 2021. He fought hard and endured 2½ years of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. He was surrounded by loving care from the medical staff of Alaska Oncology and Hematology, Alaska Cyber Knife Center, Orthopedic Physicians of Alaska, Providence Hospital, and Alaska Regional Hospital. Mike was born in Spokane, Washington, to Bonnie and Harry Goolie Jr. His parents raised Mike with his siblings, Tim, Deb, and Joe in the city of Spokane and then out in the country of Pine River Park. Mike graduated from Mead High School and he kept in close communication with his friends from his high school days through traveling to Washington for class reunions and showing off Alaska when they visited him. He grew up with horses and dogs and was involved in many sports. During and after high school Mike worked at the Spokane Country Club and was an avid golfer. He then started working for a local winery which led to employment with a beverage distributor. Mike moved on to work for the E&J Gallo Winery in Washington and then transferred to Alaska to become the Gallo State Manager. It was supposed to be a two-year stay but he never left Alaska! The Gallo company sent Mike and Mary on wonderful company trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. He moved on to work for Odom Distributors and then K&L Distributors and recently retired this past summer. He had fond memories of the people he was fortunate to work with and the many people he met through his work in sales. Mike was an amazing husband and father. He was so excited about the births of his girls, Madeline and Isabel. He was their number-one cheerleader and supporter in every endeavor they took on. He attended every piano recital, taekwondo belt advancement, basketball, volleyball, flag football, hockey game, and cross-country run/ ski meet that he could get to! He attended most of their Anchorage Junior Nordic ski nights and served as a sweeper so no child would be lost. He taught his girls how to raft, boat, fish, cut wood, and play guitar. He also showed them how to fletch an arrow and tie a fly! He often said he couldn't have imagined his life without his girls. He cherished Facetime and phone calls with his girls as they moved on to preparatory school and college and looked forward to their visits home. He loved seeing Madeline's art career and business flourish and was able to attend Isabel's college hockey game home opener. Mike was a warm and giving human being and the sound of his laughter made you smile. His storytelling was always an event and you never forgot the experience! Mike's friends consider him one of the most loyal, loving, and dependable friends they will ever have. Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Goolie, grandparents, Russell and Betty Hutchison and Mary Lou Johnson and Harry Goolie, Sr., aunts/uncles, and his father-in-law, Gary Knoll. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughters, Madeline and Isabel. He is also survived by his parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, nephews/nieces, great-nephew/nieces, cousins, and his Washington and Alaska friends that he considered to be just as dear, and loved as family. The celebration of Mike's life will be held on Sunday, December 17, at 3 pm at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 10955 Elmore Road, just south of O'Malley. There will be a potluck meal after the service. You are invited to bring a side dish or a dessert to share. (But please come whether or not you can bring a dish.) Those who can't join us in Anchorage will be able to attend online, on either Facebook facebook.com/amazingracealaska or YouTube youtube.com/@amazinggracelutheranchurch5070. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Hospice of Anchorage in memory of Mike. Donations can be made online (www.hospiceofanchorage.org) or mailed to Hospice of Anchorage, 2612 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99508.