Vashon Island native Michael (Mike) G. Kimmel died unexpectedly at home from a heart attack on Saturday afternoon, February 20th, at the age of 74.  Mike was a well known presence in the community. In 1968 he started Kimmco Construction with help from long-time employee Eddie Schmidt. Mike had trained for his profession by graduating from heavy machinery school while still a student at Vashon High School (VHS class of 1960).

  Mike began working in sixth grade as a box boy at Kimmel’s, his father’s grocery store in the building that now houses Herban Bloom and the Heron’s Nest. After high school he continued in the grocery business for the next five years working for his mother at the new store (now IGA) and for Lucky Foods in Seattle as well as a wholesale company in Arizona.

  Over his lifetime Mike was active in the Vashon community, as a youth in the Boy Scouts, as a past fire commissioner, as founding member and two- time president of the Vashon-Maury Island Country Club and as a coach for the Blazers girls’ softball team. He was well known for his general construction work all over the Island and his crew was like family. He spent his life running his company and knew almost everyone on the Island.

  Mike enjoyed cruising the Island in his ’57 Chevy and golfing on weekends.  He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his ability to see the big picture and for getting things done.

  Family was paramount to Mike and he loved to have large family parties where he cooked for everyone. His birthday (July 10) usually fell on Strawberry Festival weekend. The party would begin at the Kiwanis’ pancake breakfast, then on to Kimmco to gather with friends and watch the parade, followed by visiting the booths and ending up at Mike’s house for his famous barbecues. He was a big-hearted gruff teddy bear who loved to nurture. 

  Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Lorraine Kimmel, and his brother Pat. He is survived and missed by his companion Sue Harrington, his eldest daughter Jackie Merrill (Austin), step-daughter Shannon Sicilia (Doug), daughter Kari Action (Kurt), son Charlie Kimmel, brother Jim Kimmel ( Priscilla), sister Penny Kimmel, sister-in-law Barb Brenno (George), half-brothers Chuck Kimmel, Terry Kimmel, and half sister Sherry Kimmel. Mike is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 3 nieces, 7 nephews, 13 cousins, and his Aunt Sally Kimmel. 

Remembrances in Mike’s name can be sent to Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association PO Box 723 Vashon Island, Washington 98070. 

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday, May 15th, 2016, at the Vashon Golf and Swim Club, time to be determined. 

Please sign the online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.