Michael David Battle's Obituary
MIKE BATTLEDEVOTED HUSBAND, BELOVED FATHER, GRANDFATHER, FRIEND AND MENTORMichael David Battle was born in Tacoma on April 24, 1943 and died after a short bout with cancer at his Lakewood home October 7, 2003. Michael graduated from Wilson High School and Tacoma Community College. He was a Captain in the United States Army and recipient of the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces during his tour of duty in Vietnam. After his military career ended, Michael began a new career as a real estate agent, broker and a self employed property appraiser until his love for boats and the sea called him to Westport and to Alaska where he captained charter fishing boats. As a fisherman he has several standing world records for bringing in 350 and 450 pound Halibut on ten pound test line. He eventually put his expert mechanical, business and people skills together to successfully manage a local area transmission shop. He loved challenge and new adventures and sharing his outdoor activities with his reluctant wife George. He adored getting her Â"dirtyÂ" and out of her comfort level. An enthusiastic musician, playing piano, sax, guitar and harmonica he passed his love to music to his children. Michael believed in everyone he met from politicians to homeless people and especially Â"Big Time WrestlersÂ"Michael was a pilot and enjoyed flying Â"bushÂ" in Alaska and on cross-country jaunts - especially to destinations that had good restaurants. Snowmobile champion of the State of Alaska while he was stationed in Anchorage. Hot dog skier, avid golfer, water skier and competitive stock car racer. Most recently he became a class B and C skeet shooter competing in State, National and World competitions (events). Michael was a Renaissance man equally at ease in a tuxedo or in a baseball hat. Sometimes dashingly combining the two. Michael was a member of the Tacoma Elks, Tacoma Sportsman Club, N.S.S.A. and Seattle Skeet and Trap Club. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the shooters at the skeet range at Fort Lewis gun club.Michael is survived by his wife and best friend, Georgiana (George) Wilson-Battle; his children: Lane (Chez) Wilson (Cheryl), Paul (Janet), Michael T (Becky), Melanie Ann and Scott (Dawn) Battle; grandchildren: Lindsey and Brandon Battle, Amber Heersink, Zachary Baskett, Tyler Battle, Arielle and Natasha Stevens; his sister Mary Jane Bates (Phillip), and two brothers: Mark (Sidni) and Mathew (Sheryl) Battle. Preceded in death by his parents Howard and Bonnie Battle.Michael was a big man with a big heart who had charm, a ready smile, quick wit and infectious laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him including his companion Â"CiscoÂ" his beloved Maine Coon.Services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 2:00 PM in the Mountain View Valley Chapel.Donations may be made to the Clover Park Technical College Child Development Center, c/o Judy Hosea, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Lakewood WA 98499.
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