Obituary of Michael Alan Crippen

Michael Alan Crippen, Sr. of Forks, Washington, passed away at the University of Washington Hospital, in Seattle, Washington. He was 51 years old. He was born in Forks, Washington on June 22, 1958 to Wallace F. and Donna(Sexton) Crippen. Mr. Crippen graduated from Forks High School in 1978, and was an Olympic Peninsula resident his entire life. He married Lori (Leavitt) Crippen on June 25, 1983, in Forks, Washington. Mr. Crippen was a planer mill operator and planerman at Allen Log Co., and in his 32 years of employment had many different positions. He had many different interests including clam digging, cooking, hiking, fishing, trips to the beach, history, genealogy, photography, telling old stories, traveling, coin collecting, and very proud of his heritage and being an American. He was on the bone marrow registry for 12 years, after life, donating organs to those in need. Mr. Crippen was a descendant of Ira and Annie Crippen, an upper Hoh pioneer family. Grandson of Ira and Annie and also grandson of Vester and Deon Sexton, who lived in Forks, owner and operator of Sexton's Auto Body Shop. Through the years, after they retired and moved, it became among other stores, the Coast to Coast store, now Native to Twlight store. All grandparents are all long deceased. He was involved in many organizations, including being a former Elk Lodge member, 4H, Scouts, FFA, and Olympic Peninsula Independent Wood Workers Union. He was a volunteer fireman for The Forks Fire Department from 1978 to the early 90's. Mr. Crippen was from a family of the logging industry and mill workers. His father Wally retired after 25 years at Allens. He admired Lloyd Allen and considered Allen Log Co. to be his second home. He was always dependable and ready to learn anything. Above everything, family came first to Michael, and he was a caregiver to those he loved. He is survived by his wife, Lori; his children whom he is very proud of, sons Michael Crippen, Jr., 25, of Shoreline, Washington, and his girlfriend Kacey, Brady Crippen, 22, of Forks, Washington; and daughter Kayla Crippen, 20, and boyfriend Gary, of Forks, Washington. Parents Wally Crippen, 88, Kerry, and Jeane Leavitt of Beaver, Washington; brothers Wally Jr., of Rainier Home, Bill, Dave (Sheri) Crippen and family of Forks, Washington; sister Beth (Perry) Crippen, Tacoma, Washington; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his mother, Donna; and his nephew, Nathan Crippen. A celebration of life was held January 30, 2010 at the Forks Elementary School. John Leavitt, his brother-in-law, was the officiant and offered a beautiful eulogy with humor, celebrating Mike’s life. There was also a slideshow and an open mic. Potluck was held at the Forks Elks Lodge after the celebration of life finished. Thank you to all who were a part of Mike's life, past and present. He was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly. Memorial contributions may be made to Forks Timber Museum, P.O. Box 873, Forks, WA 98331, or to the Nate Crippen Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1726, Forks, WA 98331. Edwards Memorial Center in University Place, Washington was in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.edwardsmemorial.com. Be a donor, Mike was.