HUDDLESTON, Michael James Michael James Huddleston, beloved husband, father, brother, and public servant passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Kirkland, WA. Born August 12, 1955 in Spokane, WA to Robert T. and Mae Lorraine Huddleston, Mike was the third of ten children. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1973 and attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1979 with a degree in Public Health and Community Medicine. Michael spent his life in public service, starting his career at Snohomish County Solid Waste, then becoming a Legislative Analyst; first with the Snohomish County Council, then in 1993 with the King County Council. He retired in 2019 as the Director of Municipal Relations. He worked on many complex issues that impacted the county including growth management, regional wastewater services, Veteran's Services Levy, and the renewal of the Emergency Services Levy. He was interested in environmental issues, one of his favorites was saving the salmon in King County. Michael served as a Woodinville City Councilman from 2004-2006 and worked on many projects around the community, including building the Woodinville Fields. Additionally he consulted with the State of Idaho on their highway system and with facility planning for their prison system. He also worked with the Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee on several projects related to ferry safety and state patrol radio interconnective communications. In his free time, Mike was a proud father and spent countless hours attending basketball practices and horseback riding lessons. Most summers he would take the family on road trips, driving to every continental US state. Michael is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jana; his daughter Stephanie; stepdaughter Jennifer Kamel (Angie); and dogs Denali and Koa. He is also survived by his siblings Robert, Jr. (Sue), Lynne Ridlon (Ben), Martin, Patty Kells, Meg, Colleen Gillespie (Patrick), Daniel, and Lisa Bowling (Bob), and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sister Mary Kathryn; and dogs McKinley I and II. He was laid to rest at the Woodinville Cemetery on May 29, 2020. In lieu of flowers the family requests that any memorial contributions be sent to the UW School of Public Health to continue providing Covid-19 research.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Jun. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael HUDDLESTON

3 Entries

Jeff DeVos

June 13, 2020

Very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. We worked together at the Metropolitan King County Council from 1994 - 1997. I was the IT guy for the Council, and Mike was very into technology and my mentor and friend. It was in my 20's at the time and Mike was my go-to for advice on projects, solving problems, and life in general. He had a great, dry sense of humor and incredible intellect. We had some great conversations after work over cocktails downtown. I remember for one birthday he took me to the upscale, historic Mayflower Park for lunch. I left King County for the high-tech private sector, but we kept in touch and I'd visit him at the King County courthouse on occasion when downtown. We last spoke a couple of years ago when I re-entered the public sector and he offered to be a reference. I will always remember him in his office, smiling while chewing an unlit cigar and offering me something from the stash of Little Debbie treats he kept in his desk. Sure wish we could have gotten together for another after work chat. RIP dear friend.

Susan Holman Prince

June 10, 2020

Mike played a significant role in my U of WA experience. he lived 2 floors below us with Ross Porter on the "Boys floor". He and Ross, my roommate Dee, and Dave's Kleitsch and Reeves, and Shun Takano were inseparable our freshman year. When my brother joined the dorm the following year, he was a close friend of his as well. My heart breaks that his life ended so soon. I am hopeful that someone will private message me and let me know if there are any services, and what caused his early death. Thank you.

Lynne Ridlon

June 7, 2020

Growing up with Mike was filled with adventures. Once, as curious youngsters, we stood on the sidewalk in front of our house and proceeded to walk in opposite directions just to see how far it took to lose sight of each other. High School brought shooting hoops in the driveway, our first jobs, introducing him to my friends and double dates. College, careers and geography created distance. Always an entrepreneur and problem solver, Mike made his mark. Farewell brother. Love, Lynne

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results