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Michael FITZPATRICK Obituary
FITZPATRICK, Michael J.
Michael Fitzpatrick died after a prolonged battle with cancer on May 30, 2018, surrounded by loved ones in Spokane, WA. He was 71 years old.
Mike ("Mick" to his family; Mr. Fitz to his students) was born August 4th, 1946 in Williston, ND to Richard and Myrtle Fitzpatrick; the eldest of 10 children. He attended Williston High School, where he was a state champion wrestler. Mike was very proud to serve as a Specialist in the US Army Pershing Missile Program in Fort Sill, OK.
After studying Biology at Eastern Washington University and earning a Master's in Education at Lesley University he taught for more than 30 years; the majority of which were spent at Northwood Middle School in Spokane, WA, where he served as a beloved science teacher and athletic director.
Mike is survived by his wife Marie, his mother Myrtle, his sons Jordan, Brian, and Scott, his step-daughters Heather (Matt) and Cali, his sisters Maureen (Bill) Rickard, Kathy (John) Olsufka, Diane (Allen) Lee, Margaret (John) Worden, and Rebecca (Le) Dolan, and his brothers Tim, Patrick (Jo), and Terry. He is also survived by the mother of Scott and Brian, Christine Hamilton, his seven grandchildren: Lily, Audrey, Anabella, Morrison, Mila, Rhyis and Grey, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and his brother, David.
A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Northwood Middle School (13120 N. Pittsburg Street, Mead, WA). Former and current students, colleagues, and friends are welcome to celebrate and remember with the family.
Further information can be found at In" target="_blank" class="obit-text-link">http://www.pnwcremation.com/obituaries/Michael-J-Fitzpatrick?obId=3104140#/celebrationWall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Spokane or ASPCA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael FITZPATRICK
Dennis Treat
July 1, 2018
Very sad to hear of Mr Fitzpatrick's recent passing. He was my science teacher and football and wrestling coach at Warden High School in Warden, WA in the late 1970's. To this day Mr. Fitzpatrick remains one of my favorite teachers. Although he was not so happy with some of us when we held his plastic frog that he used in class for ransom! (I don't recall Fitz paying the ransom either. Plus we had to return the frog.) A good man and a good teacher and Coach. Rest in peace Mr Fitzpatrick.
Terri Peterson
June 21, 2018
I have known Mike for many years even when I worked at Brentwood as a fifth-grade teacher I worked with Mike a lot on science related activities. I love him dearly, he will be missed. I am sending prayers to his family and you have to know that we all thought very highly of Mr. Fitz.
Ted Farr
June 21, 2018
I arrived at Northwood when Mike was the Athletic Director. He was always on top of things and super helpful to the coaches. His calm, friendly demeanor set all at ease when associating with Mike. Super guy. We missed him when he retired and the world is minus one more "good" one.
Tracy Conant
June 20, 2018
He was one of my favorite teachers. There were and are few and far between as good an instructor as he.
Carla Heins
June 20, 2018
I will never forget his kind heart. He was a dear friend when I most needed one. I looked forward to walking into school every morning. He always had a big smile.
God Speed Fitz, May the sun always shine upon your soul.
❤
Dan Rickard
June 17, 2018
To Maureen and Her entire Family I send my deepest condolences and Prayers! God's Blessings!!
Jim Louie
June 7, 2018
Last time I talked with Mike was when Jordan was in my science class. I enjoyed my time working with him at Northwood
I will miss him- he was like a mentor to me
Bev McLaughlin
June 4, 2018
He was one of the very best!
Dave Barnes
June 3, 2018
Mike was a good friend to many of us during his days at Northwood! He was an excellent teacher and wrestling coach as well as a great neighbor to my family! I learned many lessons of kindness and patience from him and he will not soon be forgotten! What a great guy! Thank you Mike!
Sara Northcutt Poindxter
June 3, 2018
The world won't be the same without Mr. Fitz. God Bless.
June 3, 2018
Will always remember the good old days in Camelot. You will be missed. Sue and Wayne Whitney
June 3, 2018
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
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