Gregory Donald Michel

Gregory Donald Michel passed peacefully on March 26th, 2025 at the age of 68, often surrounded by his children throughout his last days, providing words of affirmation, encouragement, and fond memories.

Born July 21st, 1956 at Ballard General Hospital, Greg's journey began as the second of three children, to Eugene and Gerry Michel. Greg spent his formative years in Ellensburg, Washington before moving to Seattle during high school. He attended both Juanita and Garfield High School, where he cultivated friendships, personal interests and a strong work ethic that would define his character throughout his life.

After graduating, he continued his education at North Seattle College and the University of Washington. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Norma Carmack. Their love story blossomed into a marriage that lasted 36 years, filled with shared dreams, the rearing of five children, a love for cooking, sight-seeing, and the arts. Greg leaves to mourn his passing five children: Michael, Tony, Corey, Carradin and Cylisa (Ka’Torri). Two siblings: Sharon Raible (Steve), Chris Michel (Diane); Niece & Nephew: Alyssa Jackson (Devon) and Riley Michel (Bianca) and a host of very special grandchildren, grand niece, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Greg's love language was expressed through his tireless work and unyielding commitment to providing for his family. He would rub two pennies together to make a nickel, always finding a way to bring joy and security to those he cherished most. In his early days, Dad was known for working 3 part-time jobs to support his family while going to school and later began his career of 35 years at Boeing. His long tenure, resourcefulness, and determination garnered attention from both management and colleagues, earning him a team lead position in multiple departments, training other junior machinists and technicians.

Upon retirement from Boeing, Dad's adventurous spirit led him to travel to Europe and Spain, embracing the beauty of different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Among all the places he visited, Portugal held a special place in his heart. After an unforgettable ten-day journey of food, sightseeing, and cultural immersion, he declared Portugal as his favorite place in the world.

Music was a constant companion in Dad's life. He found solace and joy in the melodies of Pink Floyd, Aaron Neville, BB King, and The Doobie Brothers. Often times you would catch him and Norma on the weekends sitting in the living room listening to old tunes on the record player snacking on homemade charcuterie platters.

One of Greg’s favorite pastimes was going to the movies and reading martial arts, outdoor, and homesteading magazines, an escape he relished in his moments of leisure.

Greg was truly a family man. Among Dad's fondest memories were his hiking and fishing excursions with his brother Chris as a kid, sharing relaxing dinners with his sister Sharon and brother-in-law Steve, and co-hosting with his wife Norma joyful family gatherings filled with great food and smells and sounds of the summer and holiday seasons.

During his time on earth, Greg taught us the quiet power of appreciation, for people, for moments, and for the smallest of blessings. He lived with a heart wide open, never missing an opportunity to show gratitude or to lend a helping hand. Whether offering support in times of need or acknowledging those who showed him kindness, Greg believed that gratitude was a two-way street. His life was a reminder to cherish our loved ones while we have them, to notice the beauty in the everyday, and to be generous not only with what we have, but with who we are. In honoring Greg, may we carry forward his legacy by loving deeply, giving freely, strong in our convictions while having enough humility allowing us to grow in wisdom and gratitude.