Obituary of Michael Walter Healy

Michael Walter Healy Sr. 2/15/1933-2/12/2019 Michael Walter Healy Sr. three days shy of his 86th birthday was called to rest in peace after a long, wonderful life. He is survived by his loving extended family who will miss him terribly. Mike was born in Washougal WA. In 1933, the third boy born to William and Nella Healy. He and his two brothers learned quickly how to survive the depression era with ingenuity and craftsmanship, skills he passed on to his children and countless others he taught or created with. Mike was an avid sportsman playing golf, hunting and fishing. He was voted to the Pierce County Baseball Hall of Fame after 30+years of pitching on multiple fast-pitch teams in Tacoma. He was still pitching into his 50’s and would be asked to “clean up the game” which he always did with zing, style and humility. He loved making wine and creating anything with his hands. He was a wood worker artist, a mechanic and carpenter learning the trade from his Irish born father William Reynolds Healy. His love of cooking came from providing dinners for his family when his Mother went to work. He would make cinnamon rolls from scratch on Sunday mornings and crock pots of soup with cornbread for everyone. His famous pickled beets always showed up at work potlucks and church dinners! After retiring he and Barbara grew vegetables and had a mini-farm in Key Peninsula where leftovers were donated to the Key Center Food Bank. Roses and flowers were also a passion for Mike. He would cut bouquets’ of flowers and present them to anyone in need of a smile. His generosity to others was a cornerstone of his existence and lifestyle. He served as administrator for the Hilltop Department of Social and Health Services providing excellent strength and supervision to those who worked underneath him. He retired with the State of Washington in 1989. One of his many favorite things he said to his employees was “Everyone out of the pool!” when it was time to leave the office. Michael is survived by his wife Barbara Healy, her two daughters Vernine Beason, Kimberly Lawson, and son Patrick Beason. Preceding him in death are his two sons Michael Walter Healy Jr. (2017) Paul Frederick Healy (1984) step-son Mike Beason and Grandson-Justin Beason. His two surviving children are Gerald and Renee Healy He leaves behind many well-loved grandchildren-Bridgett Healy, Michael Walter Healy III and Angie Ehrhardt, John Healy, Sarah and Kaelin Usey, Phil Thoma. Matt Thoma, Kevin Beason, Kayley Lunore, Bryce Thornburg, Jason Thornburg, Jeremy Beason, Jason Thornburg, Jeremy Beason, Rachel Beason and Tawnya Beason-Keen. Michael also leaves behind great-grandchildren-Steven and Zachary Carrier, Jakob Healy, Taylor Mae Usey, Charlie Marie and Johnny Deck. In addition to the surviving children and grandchildren are 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great, great-grandchildren and Niece Dr. Jessica Ellsworth and family. Service to be held February 22, 2019 2:00 pm at Haven of Rest, 8503 State Route 16 NW, Gig Harbor. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, Funerals Homes, Chapels and Crematories. 253-566-1008