Michael Paul McElliott

The choirs in heaven are singing an Irish Lullaby for our dad Michael as we said our last goodbyes on July 28, 2013. Mike was born to Cletus and Ruth McElliott who have preceded him in death, and was the oldest followed by his siblings: Patricia (John) Rice of Nevada, David (Karen) McElliott of Everett, Timothy (Margaret) McElliott of Tacoma, Donna (Richard) Bonfoey of Gig Harbor, and Philip (Deb) McElliott of Tacoma who all survive him.

Mike was born in Iowa, spent his childhood in Tacoma, most of his adulthood in Olympia, and his later years as a resident of Tenino. He graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School, Bellarmine High School, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from St. Martin's College in 1962. Mike was married to Marjorie Williams and they had children: Ann, Kathy, and Martin. Mike was also married to Delores Merrill who preceded him in death.

Michael was involved with the Knights of Columbus and held all offices and was a 4th Degree Grand Knight, and belonged to St. Michael's Catholic Church and for the past few years to St. Peter's in Tenino. He also belonged to the Eagles and the Elks clubs and was a member of three Barbershop Choruses and several Barbershop Quartets. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing football, baseball, basketball and golf. But most of all he loved to work in his yard and garden.

Michael's greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren of whom he was very proud of and loved very much. He was grandfather to Anjanet, Bethany, Michael, Joseph, Gabrielle, Alyssa, Brittany, Joshua, Jessica, and his great-grandson Tristan.

We miss him terribly, but take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. We like to think that he is up in Heaven playing catch with the great Stan Musial, talking politics with Archie Bunker, sharing a few stories with John Wayne around the campfire, and that every dog he ever loved was there to greet him with their tails wagging! He will be buried next to his parent’s, as this was his wish, in the Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma Washington.

We would like to thank the staff from St Peter's Hospital, Mother Joseph's, and the Hospice caregivers who took such great care of our Dad.