Michael Everett Gurnett
Michael Everett Gurnett
Michael Everett Gurnett was born in Seattle on March 23, 1950 to George and Hermine Gurnett. He joined two older brothers, Bill and Wayne. The family was later expanded with the final addition of younger brother, Ken.
Mike grew up in the Northgate area during the 1950’s, when kids could play outside in the neighborhood from morning until night and only come home for dinner. It was here that he forged many of his closest friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. It was also in his early years that his father taught him the love of the outdoors, with family trips to the mountains to fish, camp and hunt.
Mike attended Pinehurst Elementary, Jane Adams Middle School and Nathan Hale High School, playing all the sports that were offered. He especially enjoyed football and baseball. Mike went to Spokane Community College to play football and completed additional classes at Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington.
Following school, Mike followed his Dad into a career of plumbing. Mike completed the journeyman apprenticeship program and became a proud member of Local 32, the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union. Mike worked for many companies around Seattle throughout the years, continuing to develop additional long lasting friendships.
Mike met Stephanie in 1974, they married in 1979 and started their family in 1983 with the birth of daughter Kendra, followed by son Wade in 1986.
With the birth of his children his true passion in life developed: being a devoted father. Whether it was coaching his kids’ sports teams, taking them to Husky football games, attending school plays or concerts, riding bikes or family vacations; no matter what the activity, if it involved family, it was Mike’s first priority.
There were also annual family vacations including camping trips on the Chewack River in Eastern Washington, trips to the Whidbey Island beach house, Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, Alaska, Canada, Myrtle Beach, Arizona, England, Italy and their most recent trip to Tucson last February. Mike loved to travel, as long as it was with his family.
After family, Mike’s next focus was his friends. His circle of friends was large and diverse. Mike was like a magnet, picking up friends wherever he went. He truly loved and treasured friends.
Mike also loved sports and participated in many up until the last months of his life. As a young man baseball, football and hunting were early passions. In his parenting years, he became coach and cheerleader for many of his daughter and son’s teams. In later years, he started to follow that little white ball around the golf course … and his tribe of friends joined him there too. With weekly golf games and the annual “Gurnett Golf Tournament”, Mike loved to play golf and he was good at it too. He was always ready for any round of golf until his illness prevented him from playing and then he still enjoyed riding along in the cart, just to be with the guys.
Mike died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on the morning of December 24, 2010, following a two-year journey with cancer. He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 31 years, Stephanie, daughter Kendra and son Wade. Dearly remembered by brothers Bill, Wayne, and Ken, along with numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Mike loved his life, his family, his friends… and he loved to laugh.
“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is the way I will remember you.”
A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Nile Country Club in Mountlake Terrace, WA at 1:30pm. Remembrances may be made to GRACE (www.cancergrace.org) or your favorite charity.
10 Responses to “Michael Everett Gurnett”
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So sorry for your loss, I was a couple years behind Mike at Nathan Hale and played softball with him for the Dutchess and Frigate teams in the mid 70’s. Though we were not close friends, I was better having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I met Mike through the close friendship of our wives. I can certainly attest to his love of hunting as I ran into him in the middle of nowhere up by Stevens pass close by a small pleasant pond and a natural pass for deer to migrate through. They didn’t come by that hour we spent together but we were there for the quiet enjoyment of the outdoors so it really didn’t matter, and the occasional croaking of a frog and the sound of the wind passing through the trees was our symphony.
Mike’s big heart, gentle manner, endearing ways, available smile, free flowing laugh, and love of being with his family was easy and delightful to observe. I’m thankful to have witnessed him during especially sweet and sentimental events. Your accompanying photographs are beautiful as are the many times you may not have captured on film, but clearly know and hold dear in your hearts. All my love to Mike’s wonderful family.
Mike fought hard and courageously to the end. His legacy is seem in Kendra and Wades pride and insurmountable love for their Dad. Wonderful man -big heart -a presence in many lives. I will miss his Black Russians. I know the golf will be great in heaven for you Mike. I will miss you and your big laugh and \Hi Mary\. Thank you for being my friend.
Mike has not only been my brother in law, but my friend. I will miss him with all my heart. He has shown love and courage which I will keep with me always.
As Mike would say…. “who loves ya baby!”
xxoo
My Friend Mike,
From minus 40 degrees hunting, to a 100 degrees golfing, we shared many many great times!! I will carry these memories with me, until the day I die. Words can not say how much I will miss you..
Your friend Dale
Mike, I will miss you so much. We were best buddies and friends since 3rd grade. Words can’t express how much I loved you. Jackie
The Gurnett’s were our neighbors for many years. His kids and mine played and went to school together all the way through college. What a wonderful family and what a wonderful man Mike was. He was always a joy to be around with. Most recently, I became part of his golfing community. Mike will be greatly missed.
Mike. I only wish we could find “BIG FOOT”… you were a good friend to all. Dad me and all who knew you. I wish i could copy your life and make it mine. You were a good role model. Thank you for the advise on life and every thing you taught me. You will be rembered and greatly missed by lots of your frends and family. I miss you mike. Keep the door open. Love you. Ryan
Pinehurst Babe!
What a wonderful friend and what a great guy!
I went to high school with Mike but didn’t get to know him well until after high school. We played softball, partied and travelled to Chelan together amongst other places. He always stood tall for his friends. His “Scoop” buddies all will miss him. Our prayers are with you Stephanie.
Love,
Rich and Margo Carlson