Obituary of Donald Michel

Donald Michel, age 79, retired accountant and tax preparer, died at home on July 2, 2011 after a sudden heart attack. He was born August 22, 1931, in Camas, Washington, to the late Henry and Ann Michel. He had one sister, Irene of Portland, Oregon. Don graduated from Camas High School in 1949, and earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Washington State University in 1953. Don was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity at WSU, where he was affectionately known as "Spud." Don served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant, and was posted to Korea following the war. Don later worked at the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in Camas, Manning's Cafeteria in downtown Portland, and Boeing in Seattle. In 1970 he earned a fifth-year accounting degree in preparation for his C.P.A. Don married Sharon Michel on October 2, 1971, and they moved to Vancouver, Washington. Don worked for the Portland Public Schools, Clark County Department of Public Works, Washington State Auditor's Office, Cowlitz County and the Cowlitz County Health Department. After his retirement, he worked as a tax preparer and office manager for H&R Block. In his younger days, Don loved to scuba dive with his buddies and the Boeing Sea Horses diving club, fish, hike, ski, and play handball and golf. In later years, Don took classes in woodcarving, enjoyed growing tomatoes on his deck, and loved to watch the birds outside his kitchen window. He loved visiting the beach, whale-watching, and eating spicy international foods. He was an avid player of duplicate bridge, a member of the Vancouver Bridge Club, and partnered with his wife and his friend, Darrell. He also loved jazz music, particularly traditional Dixieland and New Orleans styles. Don was a member of Columbia Presbyterian Church. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family. Don shared his love of nature, science, and astronomy with his daughters, and inspired Nicole to pursue a career in Ecology. Don is survived by his wife, Sharon, daughters Nicole and Stephanie, sister Irene Stephens, five nieces, extended family and friends, and his Shelties Belle and Cassie. He is preceded in death by his beloved feline friend Zeke, as well as dogs Toby, Troy, and Dodger. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 8, 2011 at Brown's Funeral Home, 410 NE Garfield, in Camas, Washington. Memorial donations can be made in Don's name to the Columbia Land Trust, an organization that works to conserve the natural resources of the Columbia River region. Don had a loving, adventurous spirit and a lively sense of humor. He will be dearly missed.