Michael John Nash

12, 2020 surrounded by his family after a long fight with cancer. He was 70 years young.

Mike was born March 21, 1950 to Marjorie (Reiswig) Nash and Mark Nash in Chico, CA and

moved to upstate New York. He grew up bucking hay and milking cows, then joined the Navy

during Vietnam as a helicopter anti-submarine aircrewman and rescue swimmer. Together with

his friends Thom Probst and Jimmy Young, they committed themselves to mischief such as

beaming the bunnies and "booming the tower" in a helicopter that doesn’t go anywhere near

Mach 1. In the meantime, they were part of the Apollo 14 astronaut pickup task force, and

successfully found submarines during naval war games (including one submarine that didn’t

want to be “found.”)

Mike met Bonnie, the love of his life, at an old country western bar in California while he was

working at Sandia Laboratory. He asked to sit at her table. She said no but relented. Six months

later they eloped and were married on December 21, 1975 by the justice of the peace in Zephyr

Cove, NV. Their never-ending adventures together fill a lifetime of stories.

Mike graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and

worked for Boeing for 35 years in Washington state. His grandsons proudly share how he

worked on the 747, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes.

He loved sharing his knowledge with his daughters, even introducing them to an appreciation of

country and bluegrass music - some of his “teaching” to the chagrin of his wife who

good-naturedly teased him about his dubious influence on their daughters. His passions

included his first licensed vehicle, a green and black 1940 Ford half-ton pickup, tinkering on his

Jeeps through the years, canoeing (sooooo many stories), camping, and anything he could do

with his family. He lived and loved with all his heart.

A quiet man, Mike received respect from those around him who appreciated his willingness to

sit down and figure out any sort of problem -- life or mechanical. People were drawn to his

helpful, kind, and compassionate spirit. He will be missed beyond just his family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Bonnie Nash, children Maureen Nash, Carin Nash (and husband

Joe Koch), and Allie (Nash) Proff (and husband Neil Proff), and three grandsons. He is also

survived by his sister Sharon Edwards, his brother Rich Uccelli, and many nephews, nieces and

cousins. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Norman Nash.

A small outdoor funeral service with military honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in

Kent, WA.