David Edward Michlitsch

David Edward Michlitsch died on April 19. Gifted by God with great intelligence, Dave took pride in being an executive for the Boeing Company, and held several positions of tremendous responsibility in his 36 years with the company including being a Program Manager and Chief Engineer. A man of great integrity, Dave held high expectations for his family as well as his co-workers. He made numerous friendships while working at Boeing, many he regarded as family.Born to Edward and Albina (Drazga) Michlitsch on March 17, 1939, Dave had a younger brother, Donald, with whom he shared a lifelong mutual admiration. His parents and his brother predeceased him.As with his mother and brother, Dave attended Rogers Elementary, Gault Junior High, and Lincoln High School in Tacoma. Like many in his Portland Avenue neighborhood, he overcame modest circumstances. As a teen, he delivered the Tacoma News Tribune and read the local newspapers every day for his entire life. Dave acquired lifelong friends while working at Lee Swanson’s station on Portland Avenue, and always appreciated those friendships.He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Seattle University and spent his career honing his skills as an engineer. Dave attended the Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He never stopped seeking and acquiring knowledge.Dave met Shareen (Faherty) while she was in High School. They married on her 18th birthday, and were together for over 56 years. Together they were blessed with 5 children and 10 grandchildren. Chuck, Shannon (Viola, Thomas), Sheila w/ Harrison (Annalee, Braxton), Katie w/ Scott (Lydia, Addie, Jack, David), and Robin w/ Kevin (Allyson, Lauren). Dave was also very proud of his nieces and nephews.As a teenager, Dave acquired a lifelong passion for golf. He appreciated the intellectual stimulation of the game. After retirement, he was a member of Oakbrook and enjoyed the company of his many friends there. Dave was also a voracious reader and for many years enjoyed running, camping, clam digging and tending a large vegetable garden. Dave traveled extensively, including Europe and across the South Pacific.Dave was fortunate to have many friends, several for his entire life. As he grew older, he evocatively reminisced on all of them and his personal and professional experiences and all of the many lives that touched his.Funeral Mass will be at St. Martin of Tours in Fife on Friday, April 29 at 11 a.m. Rosary at 10:30.