Michael Peter Hlastala

Michael Peter Hlastala passed away at the age of 77, the afternoon of February 23rd in the Magnolia area of Seattle, Washington. Michael was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1944 to Anne and Michael Steven Hlastala. Although born in Pennsylvania, he lived most of his life in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1962. He was also an Eagle Scout during his youth. Michael attended the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He was an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a distinguished Phi Beta Kappa student. Michael subsequently attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physiology in a record setting 3 years.

After receiving his Ph.D., he returned to the Seattle area to work as a scientist for 40 years at the University of Washington in the Departments of Medicine and Physiology and Bio-Physics. Michael was an accomplished scientist. He received a Guggenheim fellowship award for his work when he was at the Max Plank Institute for Experimental Medicine in Gottingen, Germany. Michael received an honorary Doctor of Medicine degree from Sweden due to his extensive collaborations with scientists at the University of Linkoping. Scientists from around the world came to the University of Washington for Michael’s collaboration and mentorship. In the 70’s, he was a finalist for the NASA Space Shuttle program. Even though he did not participate as a crew member of the Space Shuttle, he continued his engagement with NASA in reviewing future research projects for space exploration as well as performing his own experiments on NASA’s reduced-gravity aircraft. He was a published book author and authored over 150 published scientific papers. He also served as an associate editor for the Journal of Applied Physiology.

During his life, he was an active outdoorsman. He summited Mount Rainier and he also trekked Mount Everest. His Everest trip was cut short due to contracting Pulmonary Edema on his way to base camp. An important part of his life was the friendships he created through his involvement in both softball and basketball teams.

Michael found enjoyment through his diverse adventures. He was a private pilot, flying his Cessna aircraft all throughout the Northwest and parts of the United States. He and his wife Margaret are blessed to have traveled the world. They have a passion for seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. Their travel allowed them to make genuine connections with people from all around the world.

Michael was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Margaret; brother Steven (Karen) Hlastala; children Michael (Paula) Hlastala, Stefanie (Kevin White) Hlastala; and grandchildren Jonah Hlastala, Karina Hlastala, Nicholas White and Connor White.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held Friday, March 25th at 3:00 p.m. at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church at 2400 NW 85th Street, Seattle, WA 98117. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, Washington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Hlastala family.