Michael John Brady

Michael John Brady

Michael John Brady passed into the next life on Thursday, August 4, 2022 in Bellevue, Washington. He was 79.

Mike was born on May 17, 1943, to John and Margaret Brady in Menominee, Michigan. Soon after, John took a job as a machinist in Hanford, Washington. They moved to nearby Richland, where Mike grew up with his sisters Carol and Mary Jane.

After graduating from Richland High School in 1961, Mike joined the Navy. While serving in San Diego, he met and married Becky Smith. Together, they had two sons, Todd and Scott. The marriage didn’t last, and Mike and Becky split up in 1977 while living in Capistrano Beach, California.

Mike and Ginger

Mike graduated from San Diego State University, with a degree in Recreational Management and worked for many years directing the Boys and Girls Club of San Clemente. In 1980, Mike moved to the Seattle area to be closer to his sons. Five years later he met and married Ginger Briner and became step-father to Amy, Peter, and Jason.

Mike worked for a time at Mariner High School, then moved on to directing community centers for the City of Seattle Parks and Rec Department.  Mike was a life-long athlete and sports lover. He enjoyed running, and ran three half marathons, two with his son Scott. He followed the Seattle Storm, Seahawks, and Mariners with a heavy dose of emotion. Every spring, his family could expect to hear, “This might be the Mariners’ year!”

Mike and Ginger

Mike and Ginger loved traveling, and were fortunate enough to visit diverse places such as Mexico, Egypt, England, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Russia, Scotland, Turkey, France, and others.

Mike leaves behind a family who loves him. His legacy will be one of love of sports, reading good books, political consciousness, life-long learning, Cheez-Its, cherries, key lime pie, and above all, family.

In addition to his wife and children, Mike leaves behind grandchildren: Taylor, Emily, Benjamin, Samuel, Jessica, Derek, and Logan, as well as his two daughter-in-laws, Lana and Taralee. He was also close with his step-children’s families: Jason’s wife Elizabeth and their sons Gus and Marshall; Amy’s husband Quinton and their daughters Cassie and Kiley; and Peter’s wife Barbara and their kids Shane, Chelsea, and Lindsay.

His granddaughter Emily, who was with him shortly before he passed, gave this tribute: “I told him that when I think of him, I think of traveling the world, skiing down mountains, cliff jumping into freezing waters, and rafting through white rapids. Papa Mike was always so FUN. He spoiled his grandkids, and loved his family so fully. My time with Papa Mike makes up some of the best parts of my life. I will forever miss him – especially in life’s thrilling moments that he so loved to be a part of. In all those moments to come, I know he’ll still be with me.”

We are grateful for his life and example, and happy in the knowledge that he has been reunited with his parents and Mary Jane. We know he is happy where he is, and to paraphrase Mike’s stepson Jason: Dad, wherever you are right now, “Let the festivities begin!”