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BORN
1951
DIED
2023
Michael Safford Obituary
November 15, 1951 - August 21, 2023
Enumclaw, Washington - Michael Bruce Safford, 71, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Aug. 21, in Auburn, with his family by his side.
Mike was born Nov. 15, 1951, in Enumclaw, to Loren and Mildred Safford, enjoying much of his childhood around his grandparents farm. Following the tragic death of his father, his family moved to Puyallup, where he lived nearly his entire life.
A 3-sport athlete at Puyallup High, Mike had a distinguished football, wrestling and track career for the Vikings – and bled Purple and Gold – attending as many games, alumni gatherings and assemblies as he could.
Following a semester with the football team at Pacific Lutheran University, Mike worked multiple jobs – spending time as a truck driver in Texas, working many years at Hygrade Meats making Ball Park Franks, locating underground utilities and fiber optics, closing out his career as a fulfillment coordinator at Amazon.
Over the final years of his life, Mike became a member of Plateau Community Church in Enumclaw and dedicated himself to giving back to his family and community.
He is survived by a loving extended family and a close-knit group of friends who supported him throughout his amazing journey.
A memorial service will be held at Plateau Community Church (920 Roosevelt Ave. in Enumclaw) on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Plateau Community Church and to the Klamath Union High School Baseball Program are encouraged.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Safford
6 Entries
Dave O'Neil
June 20, 2025
I was sorry to see that Mike Had passed and I didn't hear of it!? Mike and I were friends all through PHS. He was in the same PE Class sophmore year. After I started Drama and had the role of General Bullmoose Jr. year he always called me Bullmoose after that.He once told me he could never get up in front of an audience like I could and take a role in a play. I told him I could no sooner play Football every Friday Night and hit guys like he could! Mutual Respect there. The Summer between Jr. and Sr. year we traveled to Tacoma together to Bert Perler Studio to have our Senior Pics taken together. Many fond memories Mike! RIP my friend! To Mike's Family you will be in my Thoughts and Prayers always.
Patricia h Calligan
November 16, 2023
Mike was a good friend since High School .We shared many conversations on Facebook and almost met up for last class reunion.I miss my friend in Christ but he is in our eternal home.
Steven Alexander
October 9, 2023
Mike I´m sorry I didn´t know, God I miss you. You mean so much to me. Please be at peace and stand with my son. You too are so courageous and beautiful people. Love both of you!
Michael Harkins
September 19, 2023
I was saddened to hear about Mike. I had not talked with him since our 40th class reunion but had followed him on Facebook from time to time. I was aware of some health issues but still shocked to hear of his passing. We were friends since 7th grade at West Junior High (Aylen) in the mid 60"s. He was a good guy. I would have definitely been at his memorial but didn't see his obituary until Monday morning when I got to work. RIP my friend.
Shannon Condon Butters
September 17, 2023
RIP Stookey! A friend for many, many years and a great guy. My Dad loved watching you play football at PHS and was one of your biggest fans! I am so glad we reconnected in the past couple of years. We will get that coffee together...some day. In the meantime.....rest well.
Richard (Dick) Dary
September 16, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I've known him since our days at Maplewood elementary. I then coached his son, Michael at Ferrucci.
Such a great guy . May he RIP.
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