Michael Wayne McKinney was born to Paul Seldon McKinney and Lenora Marjorie McKinney on September 21, 1942. He is survived by his younger brothers – Bruce, Brian and Tim McKinney; his loving daughters – Sheri Alverson, Paula McKinney, Christy Amell and Sharry Neilsen; grandchildren Ross Amell, Emily Amell and Gavin Conolly; and his loving and devoted wife, Julie Ann McKinney. They shared 47 years together celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary in March.
Mike used to say that he lived multiple lives in his one lifetime. At 17, he joined the Marines and spent 4 years traveling throughout Japan and nearby countries. He met his life-long friend Art Dahlen during this time and later both worked at Western Airlines (later becoming Delta). Their families spent much time together at company picnics, camping and various get-togethers.
He retired from Delta Airlines; which afforded his family the luxury of travel; which included many vacations to Hawaii, California and Mexico. He had a passion for travel and would often take off on his motorcycle for long trips – his wife Julie riding on the back. He enjoyed fishing with his family and would take yearly trips to Alaska with good friends to catch salmon.
Mike loved books and eventually collected a library filling a whole room of their house. He shared this passion for books with his brothers Brian and Bruce and they later owned a bookstore along with Julie in Edgewood, Washington where they would also raise their family. Mike loved learning about his own family’s history.
Mike’s hobbies included working in the yard and you would often find him on a Sunday afternoon watering his tomatoes he loved so much. He forged beautiful knives himself and loved buying turquoise and precious stones which Julie would turn into beautiful jewelry.
Mike had a big heart and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends. If you asked him for a favor, he wouldn’t hesitate to help
A Celebration of Mike's life will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Ave, Chehalis, Washington 98532.
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