Born in Centralia, WA to Carl and Christine Simila, Mickey was the oldest of 2. His sister Katie, was born 5 1/2 years later, and Mickey absolutely loved being a big brother. She was the first of a lifetime of girls in his world. In 1957, the Simila Family moved to Mercer Island where Mickey attended grades 5-12. He immediately made many friends, several becoming life long. Mickey was involved in many sports and clubs, and somehow figured out how to squeeze in bits of mischief here and there, like, hitch hiking (running away) to Tahoe with a buddy at 15, or, at 16, racing Edgewater Inn guests cars on the Viaduct, with fellow Valets. The stories he and his buddies told were endless, some seeming like Tall Tales, but all true to some extent. Mickey graduated from Mercer Island High School in 1966. After a hitchhiking trip around the country, he briefly attended WSU before being drafted into the US Army in 1968. He was sent to Yuma, AZ, as a meteorologist, where, again, he took the opportunity to make many more forever friends. After 2 yrs, Mickey’s Army stint was up, and he made his way back up to the the Puget Sound area. In 1973, while living on Vashon, Mickey and his first wife Susan Ofner, welcomed a daughter, Oona. A few years later, Mickey and Oona took a train to Minnesota, where they lived for a few months to help friends build a log cabin. As a young man, Mickey was always moving from one place to another. In 1979, Mickey met Cindy. They met when she got a flat tire on her way to the ferry one morning, and Mickey stopped to give her a ride. There was an immediate connection, and they both happened to be USPS mail carriers on the mainland. On November 11, 1982, Mickey and Cindy were married by one of Mickey’s best buddies, James Harper, witnessed by Jimmy’s wife, Mary Harper, and the family dogs. Baby Emma made her appearance one month later. In May of 1984, Cassandra was born, completing the family.

Mickey was always involved with his girls’ T-ball/softball/Fast Pitch, coaching on or off the field. He happily attended their band concerts, art shows, and other events. Mickey became a proud Grandpa to Madeleine Jo, Oona’s daughter, in 2003. In 2009, Mia Lily (Emma) entered his life. His hopes for a grandson as well came in 2015 with Cassandra’s current partner’s 3-yr-old son, Jakobe. In 2011, Mickey retired from the USPS after 33 yrs. His final, well-earned position was at the Burton Post Office. It was his “One-man post office”. Once again, he made many good friends who were regulars there. His retirement party was a blow out! Vashon’s old VFW Hall was packed with friends and family. He didn’t have a wedding celebration, wouldn’t be there to party at his funeral, but his retirement party served to celebrate Mickey Simila to the fullest—-joyously and with so much love. For many years, Mickey fought hard against lung and heart issues, giving it his all. He was even able to attend his first Fantasy Sports drafts last spring and summer. He loved all things sports. Attending Tacoma Rainier’s day games with buddies were highlights of his later years. Mickey is survived by his wife, Cindy; sister, Katie Sue; daughters, Oona Gagne (Beau); Emma Simila (Heath McReynolds); Cassandra Simila (Rick Ward); and the grandkids—-Madeleine Jo, Mia, and Jakobe. In the words of Yogi Berra, “It ain’t over‘till it’s over,” and that is how Mickey lived out his final years. Mickey’s daughters are collecting stories, pics, and song memories to compile a Zine for a Celebration of Life, to happen at a later date.

Send to emmamaysimila@hotmail.com orlaffycassie@hotmail.com