On November 26, 2024, Mike Shride (Michael Douglas Shride) passed away in Gig Harbor, Washington, where he was a patient in hospice care. He succumbed to an illness which was a result of diabetic complications.

Mike was born in Seattle, Washington, on April 19, 1949, to Frank and Marie (Therkelsen; Lillquist) Shride. Mike was the third child and the first son. He joined two oldersisters: Carolyn (age 6) andTanya (age 3).When Mike wasthree years old, the family welcomed brother Brad in 1952 and six yearslater another sister, Kimm in 1958. Mike lived on Vashon until he left to attend Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

In 1955, the Shride family welcomed a foster son: 3-year-old Ronnie Dyer. Ronnie remained with the Shride family until he was married at age 21. He and his wife then moved to California. In addition, the Shride family also had a little 9-month old foster child (Paul) who was adopted in less than a year.

Mike was very bright as well as very athletic. He played baseball, football, and basketball depending on what season it was. He played baseball when he was young and continued through high school and college. Regardless of what sport he played he was always successful.

In 1960 when Mike was 11, he won his first time out against “Old Woody”, pitching 7 strike outs. It was the same with football. In 1961, at age 12, Mike scored 33 points to win the “Old Ossie” contest. He kicked 7 place kicks and 12 punts for his winning total. In 1962 Mike again won the “Old Ossie” contest by scoring 32 points.

During his high school years Mike was routinely on the Honor Roll. In his Junior year of high school he was chosen to attend Boys’ State. In his Senior year he graduated with an Honor Cord. His coach stated that Mike was a better pitcher than another student attending WSU on a baseball scholarship. Mike went to WSU but not on an athletic ride. His grades were such that he received an academic scholarship.

After college Mike worked as a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy at China Lake Naval Weapons Center. In 1977, Mike and the associate head of the Aircraft Support Division made five flights in a six-day period from the base at McMurdo Sound to the South Pole and back. After Mike retired, he spent most of his time on his computer imagining and inventing.

A memorial service for Mike will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 1:00 p.m. at the Vashon Funeral Home. Coffee and dessert will be served after the service. All are welcome to attend.

April 19, 1949 – November 26, 2024