Michael Peter Numrich

Mike always used to say that he was "a Jack of all trades and a master of none."

Mike had an insatiable desire to experience new things and had an adventurous spirit. He did things in an artistic manner, in his own way and on his own time. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to others regardless of the sacrifice it required of himself and his family.

Mike attended Christ the King Elementary School in north Seattle. He tried going to St. Edwards Seminary for high school, but only lasted one year because he decided that he "couldn't give up girls." He then went to Blanchett High School for a year and then persuaded his parents to let him go to Ingraham High School, where he made many enduring friendships that he had kept to this very day.

When Mike was between the ages of 14-17, he went to CYO summer camps where he learned from Gordie Hamilton the importance of hard work and a job well done. During those times Mike went on several Nanamaki hikes, that were led by a seminarian camp staff, Michael McDermott. Mike explored many mountain ranges and those hikes changed Mike's perspective on life and instilled in him a deep respect for nature and its awesome power. This deep respect led him to volunteer as a caretaker of Goldmeyer Hot springs at age 20 for two seasons in the pristine Cascade mountain wilderness.

Mike was the 2nd child of 12 children of Harry Numrich and Maxine Baker. He learned a great deal about family life and developed skills in interpersonal relationships and interactions with most anyone. Being the second oldest he learned to take charge and give orders and guidance to his younger siblings.

He met Sandy Mills on August 22, 1969. They fell in love and were married on September 22, 1973. They were married at Christ the King Church by Father Michael McDermott. Mike and Sandy had 4 wonderful children-Alisha, Julie, Jeffrey, and David.

Mike loved his family and did what it took to care for them and he took on many jobs to accomplish that. He was self employed most of his life. In time, he supplemented his business income when the economy slowed down in order to feed his family and to provide them with medical benefits. He worked as a ranger at CYO camps Cabrini and Don Bosco and then later at Seattle University as a plumber/refrigeration mechanic. His job at Seattle U enabled his daughter Julie, son David, and his wife Sandy to obtain a college education.

Mike still found time to help others and was awarded the campus service award. Mike also sang in the Seattle U choirs, and played guitar in the SU battle of the bands. Mike taught himself how to play the piano and he shared his love of music and his skills with his children and grandchildren-Chase, Hayato, Jack, Ayaka, and Emma.

Mike also taught his children and grandchildren how to build a campfire using only a magnifying glass and cedar shaving. He shared with them his knowledge of how to use various tools. He was hoping to ensure that his family would know how to survive in any conditions and challenges that they might face in life.

Mike pushed life to its limits. He was human and had his good and bad moments. His behavior went from one extreme to another. But he mostly sided with goodness and had compassion for others. Mike affected many lives and will be sorely missed.

May God bless him and protect him in his next spiritual adventure.