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Michael Terry Lumsden

Michael Lumsden Obituary

Michael Terry Lumsden Mike, 60, passed away at home on Thursday, February 22, 2007, after a 3 1/2 year battle with cancer. Mike was a kind and gentle soul who loved and cared deeply for those in his life. He viewed life as a journey and remained determined, focused and accepting throughout his treatments. Mike was born on October 27, 1946, in Tacoma, to parents Donald and Garnet Lumsden. He was raised in Lakewood and graduated from Lakes H.S. in 1965. Mike then attended and graduated from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon in 1969. After joining the U.S. Marines, stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and completing his tour of duty, he began a successful 19 year career in graphic design/communications/marketing/publications with Weyerhaeuser. He then moved on to work for the State of Washington/DSHS Communications Division in Olympia, where he spent the last 13 years. He was very grateful to have been able to work with such talented and supportive colleagues/friends thru the years. He enjoyed his work and took great pride in it. Growing up, Mike's family had a great love for the outdoors and spent many weekends camping, clam digging, fishing, hiking and hunting with friends and extended family. While raising his own family, he added biking, golfing, skiing and tennis, but cherished most watching his children participate in all of their activities. He most recently helped form the Puget Sound Mini (Cooper) Club and spent many days of friendship, fun and touring in his Mini. He is survived by his family: wife Cindy, of Gig Harbor, son Brett, of Miami, Florida, daughter and son-in-law Erin and Josh Larson of Gig Harbor, his new granddaughter Isabelle Rose Larson, his brother Patrick, sister-in-law Patti, niece Michelle and her son Ethan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Chuck and Cindy Horjes, nephews Kris and Jarrett Horjes, brother-in-law John Horjes, aunt Vivi Thompson, aunt and uncle Barbara and George Ancich, many beloved cousins and their families, in both California and Washington, and lifelong friends Colin Page and Mike Thomas. Celebration of life service for Mike will be held on Saturday, March 3rd, at 1PM, at Peninsula Lutheran Church, 6509 38th Avenue NW in Gig Harbor. The family remains grateful to all of the talented and caring medical providers who worked with Mike thru his 3 1/2 year journey. Remembrances may be made to the Franciscan Hospice Foundation, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401-1502.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Feb. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Lumsden

20 Entries

Betsy Tipps

March 4, 2007

Dear Cindy, Brett, and Erin,
My heart aches for you and the rest of your family. It is hard to loose someone you love so much. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Betsy

Joyce Larson

March 3, 2007

I first met Mike when I went to work at Weyerhaeuser as a typesetter, moved around a little in the Company and eventually went to work in the Design Group and directly with Mike. I remember when a big group of us went to his home for a party and some of us went into the pool and it was unheated. That didn't last long. He and his wife Cindy were such nice hosts to all of us and we had a great time. Mike was always a nice person to work with, if questions needed to be asked he was always pleasant and nice as he explained what it was he was designing. He always fit in nicely in the group and contributed in his own quiet way. I can understand what Cindy and his family are feeling about fighting Cancer and all the ups and downs you have to go through. My son-in-law also has Cancer and he is in the middle of trying everything there is to add years to his life but it is hard to watch and very emotional so I know they are very proud of his gallant fight to the end.

dave black

March 2, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Michael since the mid 90's. He was a great talent a super great person. He is one of the best men I have ever known. I always enjoyed his company and will greatly miss him.

Ray & Jerry Potts

March 2, 2007

We were so fortunate to meet Mike through our son-inlaw & daughter Chuck & Cindy Horjes.The last time we saw Mike he talked about Brett & Erin and how proud he was of them.Mike was fun to be with & had a wonderful sense of humor.We will miss him!

Eileen Cavanagh

February 28, 2007

Mike was truly one-of-a-kind, and as many others have said, a very compassionate, caring and thoughtful individual. There is no one I enjoyed brainstorming with more than Mike. His ready smile, warmth and humor will stay with me always, as will memories of the many pranks he played on me during our years together at Weyerhaeuser. He found joy in everything around him and was a delight to work and joke with. I will miss him terribly, and am sadly reminded how important it is to stay in touch with those you care about. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Kathie Rice (Cudney)

February 27, 2007

I met Mike in 1973 and was also a charter member of our very close-knit Gavarama group. We were like family, and although 30 years have passed, I remember Michael and all of the rest of the Gavaroonies fondly. I'm so happy that I had an opportunity to visit with him within the last year and a half and to tell him what he meant to me.

Chris & Cal Young

February 27, 2007

Cindy and children,
We were saddened to read of Mike's passing. Mike and Cindy were our next door neighbors when we first moved to Gig Harbor. Mike always had a kind word to say and a smile on his face. After MIke & Cindy moved across town Mike always stopeed to chat and catch us up about Brett and Erin when we saw him. Mike is in a better place and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eddie Rodriguez

February 27, 2007

I join the many family and friends in expressing my sincere condolences to Mike's family during this difficult time. Michael was a gentle, passionate and compassionate man who cared about his work and the people around him. The world is a better place for him having been it and his loss leaves a void that only the good memories of him can fill. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Michal Tallman

February 27, 2007

Cindy, Brett, and Erin--We are so sorry. You are in our thoughts. Take care of yourselves.

Holly Miranda

February 27, 2007

I am honored to have worked so closely with Michael for the past 13
years. Besides being such a talented designer, he was much more than
simply a co-worker - He was a true friend.

I will miss that sparkle in his eye, and that warmth in his smile, but
mostly I'll miss all the silly things he did that made me laugh every day at work.

My thoughts are with you Cindy, Brett, Erin, Josh and Isabelle.
Please know how much the memories of Michael are treasured by all who were blessed to know him.

Anne Clark-Olsen

February 27, 2007

Dear Cindy & Family;
My heart goes out to all of you during this painful time. I met Mike at Weyerhaeuser and became a part of the infamous Weyerhaeuser social circle. My memories of Mike are fond and unfortunately I am sorry to say that we did not stay in touch as our lives went in separate directions. I remember the last time I saw him was when we had both our families skiing at White Pass. He was a wonderful friend and kind human being. I believe he is in a greater place and at peace.

Anne Clark (formerly olsen)

Sharon Newcomer

February 27, 2007

Michael was also kind to the little fur critters. When he could not take in a cat he became its God Father. We shared many laughs over his God Son and the other strays cats he took care of. We will miss Michael, but he will always be in our thoughs , Sharon and Blackie

Duwayne Rader

February 27, 2007

LIke mike I grew up in the Tacoma area and graduated from High School a few years earlier. We first met in the fall as first year students in Art School in Portland. He was one of the 2 Mikes that were inseperable all 4 years of school. I still remember him as one of 16 graduating students 4 years later. Our paths went in seperate directions and it is with sadness that I read of his death. Sincerely Duwayne Rader

Kathy Spears-Robinson

February 27, 2007

I am so thankful I had the privilege to be Michael's co-worker during his time at DSHS. He was the consumate professional -- creative, respectful and personable.
More than that, Michael was a true and deeply caring friend -- one of the rare ones that we only find once or twice in a lifetime.
Michael is "true north," our shining star and moral compass for us to follow in our journey on earth.
My prayers and thoughts are with his wonderful and loving family.

Kathy Spears Robinson or as Mike would say: Mrs. Robinson

The Hawkins

February 27, 2007

"LIFE IS A JOURNEY" and we know Mike had a wonderful journey.
Kind, caring, considerate those are words that remind us of Mike.
He made you feel relaxed.
A glass of wine, some sunshine, and good conversation always with a giggle or two to pass the time.
Hand painted bedroom ceilings of Blue Sky, Clouds and yes Bright Stars in the Dark all good feelings.

Our family was fortunate enough to share time with Mike.
We have some great memories to treasure!

Erin and Brett thank you for sharing your dad with Charlie and Jennifer.
Cindy our thoughts are with you stay strong for the family.

The Hawkins Family
Frank, Terri, Jack, Jennifer, Charlie

John Hopkins

February 27, 2007

I met Mike in 1973, when we both started work at Weyerhaeuser. We became friends immediately, as we shared many things: the same birth date, a love of cars (he had a Porsche, I had an Alfa) and a joy for life. We, along with our other co-workers and friends, put on some memorable "Gavaramas". We have stayed friends throughout the years, even as we have been geographically distant. My wife Mary and I will miss him.

Marianne Ozmun

February 27, 2007

Michael's gentle spirit was far reaching. In his work environment, he touched those with whom he worked closely as well as those with whom he worked peripherally. Each one of us is a bit richer for having known him. From my family to Cindy, Brett, Erin, Josh, and Isabelle, we wish you the comfort of memories and the warmth of laughter that seemed to follow Michael everywhere.
Marianne, Jody, and Allie

Lynn Morgan

February 27, 2007

I am proud to have been Michael's coworker. I shall always hold dear, Michael's beaming face, as he brainstormed a project with staff. What a sight! Michael was gentle and persuasive in such a good way. I shall always remember our Michael.

Rich and Kristin Eberly

February 27, 2007

It has been a privilege getting to know Mike these last few years through the Mini Club. We will miss him.

Gene Tallman

February 27, 2007

Cindy, Brett, Erin & Josh.........
I am so sad to hear of your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

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