Obituary of Michael Wayne Gutz

Michael was born in St Paul, MN. He lived several places growing up with a dad that was career Navy, but he considered Jacksonville Beach, Florida to be his childhood home. Mike lived in Washougal, WA for 28 years, and the last 4 years were spent in Vancouver, WA. After surviving 3 previous bouts of cancer, he died of his fourth battle at home with his wife and several children with him in Vancouver. He was 56 years old. Mike served as a volunteer for the Washougal Fire department for sever years and worked many years at the Camas Paper Mill. However, his favorite job was driving a school bus for Camas School District. This makes sense, since Michael's passion after God and family was kids! Michael loved anything to do with kids, being teased about being a baby whisperer, being a jungle gym for his grandchildren, or coming off shift work and coaching a sports team. Mike is survived by his wife Catherine of 31 1/2 years and their children, Susan, Christina, Rachel, Maya, Kristy, Tiffany, Jason, Heather, Tia, Daniel, Joseph and Cheyenne. Their love for kids was so strong that they always knew there was always room for one more. Michael and Catherine took great joy in providing for children via foster care for 26 years. There are also 38 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother and sisters, Mark, Tari, Toni, Tina, Tisha and Tami. He is preceded in death by daughter Sarah Nicole and grandson Cyric. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gateway Church, "Run for the Hungry" fund or, The Nicaragua Mission Team Fund...Michael's greatest passions after his family. Celebration of Life Service Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 AM Gateway Community Church 1235 "E" St. Washougal, WA Brown's Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.