Michael James Huddleston
Michael James Huddleston, beloved husband, father, and public servant passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Kirkland, WA. Born August 12, 1955 in Spokane, WA to Robert T. and Mae Lorraine Huddleston, Mike was the third of ten children. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1973 and attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1979 with a degree in Public Health and Community Medicine.
Michael spent his life in public service, starting his career at Snohomish County Solid Waste, then becoming a Legislative Analyst; first with the Snohomish County Council, then in 1993 with the King County Council. He retired in 2019 as the Director of Municipal Relations. He worked on many complex issues that impacted the county including growth management, regional wastewater services, Veteran’s Services Levy, and the renewal of the Emergency Services Levy. He was interested in environmental issues, one of his favorites was saving the salmon in King County.
Michael served as a Woodinville City Councilman from 2004-2006 and worked on many projects around the community, including building the Woodinville Fields. Additionally he consulted with the State of Idaho on their highway system and with facility planning for their prison system. He also worked with the Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee on several projects related to ferry safety and state patrol radio interconnective communications.
In his free time, Mike was a proud father and spent countless hours attending basketball practices and horseback riding lessons. Most summers he would take the family on road trips, driving to every continental US state.
Michael is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jana, his daughter Stephanie, stepdaughter Jennifer Kamel (Angie) and dogs Denali and Koa. He is also survived by his siblings Robert, Jr. (Sue), Lynne Ridlon (Ben), Martin, Patty Kells, Meg, Colleen Gillespie (Patrick), Daniel, and Lisa Bowling (Bob), and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary Kathryn, and dogs McKinley I and II.
He was laid to rest at the Woodinville Cemetery on May 29, 2020. In lieu of flowers the family requests that any memorial contributions be sent to the UW School of Public Health to continue providing Covid-19 research.
2 Responses to “Michael James Huddleston”
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Dear Jana and family,
Was heartbroken to read of Mike’s passing in today’s Seattle Times!!! It was during my tenure as Mayor of Redmond from 1992-2007 that I had the honor of working with Mike while he was at the county. He was articulate, smart and most of the time had a smile for me. I most appreciated his professional and personal integrity. Sometimes relations between the county and a suburban city could be trying. I could always count on Mike to be honest, to be straightforward…I really appreciated his candor. And when he was elected to Woodinville city Council, we shared the bond of being a local official. The last time I saw him he was smiling, enjoying lunch outside on the patio of Coho Cafe in downtown Redmond last year.
Should there be a gathering to celebrate him, please let me know. In the meantime, I hope that your memories will sustain you and that time brings you peace.
Sincerely,
Rosemarie Ives
I am so, so sorry to hear of Mikes passing- he was an integral part of my journey to adulthood. We met our freshman year in college at the U of Wa.
Dee Townsend, Shun Takano, Dave Kleitsch, Dave Reeves, Ross, Mike and I were in separable – I am shocked when I realize that was nearly 50 years ago…please let us know if there is a service planned.