Michael Robert WOOTTON

A very rich and full life on earth ended for Mike Wootton on December 29, 2021. Mike married Bailley Robinson on June 14, 2008. His dear partner in marriage, parenting, laughter, and sadness, Bailley was with him in every way when he died. Were it not for hospital visitation restrictions, daughters Afton (9) and Hayden (5) would have also been right there cheering for their dad. Mike's passing followed a two-week stay at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. He was waiting for an organ transplant but suffered complications from which he was unable to recover.

In the days since Mike left us, warm words of remembrance have been offered by hundreds of people. Their condolences always referred to his goodness. His laughter, generosity, compassion, passion (especially for the Mariners, Seahawks, Pirates, and Zags), sweet spirit, and kindness were mentioned often. He loved helping people and thought all of his friends were so amazing. He was your personal cheerleader, even when you didn't know he was cheering.

Mike made his living as a photographer, teacher, and coach. His favorite shots were the ones he took from under the basket at Gonzaga basketball games, both men's and women's. Mike loved and did many sports, his favorite being baseball. He played it and coached into his 30s. We realized he couldn't contain that love when we found him trying to teach his 5-year old nephew a 4-seam fastball. Improbabilities never posed any problems for Mike.

Not surprisingly, Mike and Bailley met while providing support for troubled teens. Their hearts knit around helping others. Mike would attribute his servanthood to life influences that included his strong faith, his mother Judy Wootton, sister Michálle Sessions, brother-in-law Matt Sessions, in-laws Bonnie and Bill Robinson, Brenna and Alan Stanfield, Ben and Emily Robinson, and a great band of dear friends. He also credited Bellevue Christian Schools (1999) and Whitworth University (2004) for his commitments to faith and service. Among Mike's greatest joys were his nieces and nephews – Jeb, Locke, Elle J, Asher, Anna, Brooks, Benny, and Sage. They flat-out loved Uncle Mike. Mike's affection for relatives and friends ran deep, but it didn't compare with how much he loved Bailley, Afton, and Hayden, and how much they loved him. In countless ways, we will all miss Mike Wootton.

A memorial service will be held this spring.