Michael Allan Barnes

As a child, Michael was a playful and silly kid who loved making others laugh with his jokes and goofy antics. He was kind, generous, and fiercely loyal, always standing up for friends and family when they needed him. Though he didn’t seek attention for himself, his warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

From a very young age, Michael loved spending time in the kitchen with his mom. At just three years old, he was already helping prepare meals—seasoning dishes, chopping ingredients, and even creating fun new recipes to try together. This early start nurtured a lifelong passion for cooking that carried into adulthood. Some of Michael’s favorite meals to prepare were steak, Korean pork belly, and fettuccine Alfredo.

Around the same time, Michael welcomed his first best friend, his dog Ashtyn. The two were inseparable companions, spending their days exploring the outdoors, riding bikes, and playing basketball together. Their adventures and playful energy perfectly reflected Michael’s curiosity, enthusiasm, and love for life.

Michael shared a memorable road trip with his father, Allan, traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast. He often talked about this trip, recalling stops along the way, including Washington, D.C., and Mount Rushmore. It was on this journey that he discovered his passion for travel and fell in love with New York City. The experience also strengthened his lifelong love of sports. Visiting historic stadiums like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field with his dad left a lasting impression and nurtured a love of the game that stayed with him throughout his life.

Sports were always a cornerstone of Michael’s life, with basketball holding the top spot in his heart. He loved playing with friends—whether shooting hoops, playing at the gym, or competing in NBA2K. In 2015, Michael participated in Hoopfest, a large outdoor basketball tournament, enjoying both the energy of the competition and the teamwork it required. Football season was another highlight, especially his cherished “football Sundays” spent watching NFL RedZone and relaxing at home. He also loved attending games in person, both as a child and an adult. Some of his happiest memories were going to Mariners games with his mom, Jody, where they shared the iconic garlic parmesan fries at Safeco Field—memories he carried with him throughout his life.

In 2010, Michael met Jeanna, and from that first moment, the foundation of their love story began. They built their life in Washington until 2020, when they fulfilled their dream of moving to California. After his romantic Central Park proposal, they were married in 2024. Of all of Michael’s accomplishments, he always said his greatest was marrying Jeanna. He was deeply proud of the love and life they built together, the growth they shared, and the enduring bond between them.

Michael was a man who loved deeply and took great pride in being a devoted partner. He and Jeanna shared a love for traveling, exploring new cultures, and tasting new cuisines. Mexico, Miami, and New York were among his favorite destinations, but his most treasured memories were from their trip to Hawaii. Ultimately, for Michael, it was never about where he traveled, but who he traveled with—and being by Jeanna’s side made every place feel extraordinary. In recent years, he also delighted in teaching her how to golf, cherishing the time they spent together learning and laughing.

In more recent years, Michael discovered a love of running. What began as exercise quickly became a source of therapy and discipline. In 2021, he proudly completed his first 5K, soon followed by an 11K and, later that year, a half-marathon. He trained with dedication, often running outdoors after long days of work. The beach became one of his favorite places to run, offering both calmness and joy.

Michael’s life was filled with love, passion, and determination. He embraced every experience—whether running along the beach, cheering at a ballgame, or traveling to new places—but what mattered most to him was sharing those moments with the people he loved. Above all, his greatest joy was the life he built with Jeanna.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jeanna Barnes; his father, Allan Barnes; his mother, Jody Barnes-Pientka; his sister, Jamie Price; his niece, Charlotte Price; and his nephews, Alexander and Theodore Price.

May we honor Michael’s memory by embracing the little things, spreading kindness, offering compliments freely, and cherishing the gift of health each and every day. These were Michael's own words for how he hoped others would continue to live.