Michael Monson

Shock, disbelief, and extreme heartbreak swept over the residents of Selah and the surrounding areas as the word of the death of Mike Monson spread through the community. Michael Kent Monson, 48, of Selah, WA died Saturday April 13, 2013 from injuries sustained in a helicopter crash while on a fishing trip on a remote river in British Columbia Canada.

Mike Monson was born December 30th, 1964 in Provo, Utah. He was the second oldest of six children and his character was true in nature to second child personality traits. Those attributes included his thriving friendships, being a people pleaser, mediator, and leader.

He was a private leader in many social arenas but his most publicized leadership roll was as President of Monson Fruit Company, founded in 1987 in Selah, WA. Mike’s ability to see into the future, visualize new directions and articulate those goals to others helped bring Monson Fruit into the forefront of the agricultural business. Mike was described as “wise, shrewd and had a deceptively charming exterior, a tough operator who made change happen”.

Besides being passionate about his work, he was equally driven in his love for his family and hobbies. To say that Mike lived life would be an understatement; he did more in his 48 years than most will do in a life time. As a self studied historian he thrived on learning all he could about the culture and history of the countries and cities he and his family traveled to. When entertaining with family and friends Mike’s recollection of stories was a true highlight. A story wasn’t complete without hearing Mike’s contagious laugh, seeing the sparkle in his eyes, or catching his cheshire smile. His reminiscences ranged from climbing Mt. Rainier to surfing the waves in Hawaii with his 8 year old son Jack. He lived in the present and loved with his whole heart. The hearts of Mikes family and friends ache over the loss of a loving husband, amazing father, devoted son, caring brother, exceptional boss, and many people’s best friend.

Since fishing in any surrounding was one of his greatest joys, it seems fitting to use the following quote to acknowledge his belief in life. John H. Bradley once wrote in “Farewell Thou Busy World”, For the supreme test of a fisherman is not how many fish he caught nor even how he caught them but what he has caught when he has caught no fish. ~ 1935

Mike is survived by his wife and best friend, Julie Monson and their son Jack; and his daughter Katelyn and son Marcus from a previous marriage to Ginger Thompson. He loved all of his children deeply. Other family including his mother, Charlotte (Richard) Barmore, who resides in Tempe, AZ; three brothers, Eric (Lisa), Chris (Shelly) and Matt Monson, all of Selah, WA; two sisters, Anna (Stephen) Wing, and Kathy Monson. Also step brothers and sister: Scott, Ryan, & Brooke Barmore, also of Tempe, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert Monson of Selah, WA.

A Celebration of his Life will be Saturday, April 27th at 1pm at Holy Family Church, 53rd and Tieton Drive. There will be a reception immediately following at Monson Fruit Company, 252 N. Rushmore Road in Selah. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wellness House c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home 902 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. To share a memory, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.

“That’s enough for one day.” Michael Kent Monson 1964-2013