Michael J. Harrison's Obituary
Michael J. Harrison was born June 23rd,1942 to James and Katherine Harrison of Tacoma, WA. On February 23rd, 2024 he passed away, in loving care of those at Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Home in Tacoma, WA. Mike was the youngest of three siblings, including himself, James and Richard. The self proclaimed “last of the Mohicans” now rests in peace with his late wife, parents and elder brothers.
In his early years Michael had many interests. He loved hiking, boating, and camping. He also enjoyed playing golf and basketball, of which he was active with in high school and college teams at Bellarmine Prep and later at Santa Clara University, where he also obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Games aside, Michael was a devout Catholic and held himself to a high moral code. He attended St Patrick's Elementary school where he also served as an altar boy. He would later instill this spirituality upon his family.
On a fateful trip home from college, Mike was introduced to his future wife, MaryAnn Lembicz. From there his life grew big and bountiful.
Michael graduated from College and started his first job at Metropolitan Life in Seattle, WA. He married MaryAnn on August 8th, 1964 and they moved to a small apartment in Seattle while she was finishing College at Seattle University.
In 1966 their daughter Debbie was born. They later moved to Mercer Island when their son, John, was born. In 1969 they moved to Lakewood, WA to be closer to extended families. In 1978 Michael started Mike Harrison Construction. The business was very successful and he ran the company until he retired in 1998.
As the years passed, he continued the maintenance of his spiritual growth and became a member of St. Leo’s Parish in Tacoma, WA. Additionally, he joined the Oakbrook Golf and Country Club and spent many hours volunteering in the redevelopment and operation of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course.
He shared his love for basketball with his children and grandchildren by coaching their junior teams and would occasionally take his children and grandchildren out for golfing lessons. He got his family outdoors often by taking them on many trips all over the West Coast and Hawaii. He even upgraded a utility van and made it into a camper so the family would be comfortable, especially on long trips.
Later in his life, his family grew with both Debbie and John having children of their own. He and MaryAnn took a prominent role in the growth, influence, and development of their grandchildren as well.
In 2009 MaryAnn and Michael found a lovely place in Surprise Arizona called Happy Trails and purchased their winter “Casita” there. They spent the next 12 years happily as snowbirds, spending 3-5 months there every year. Michael enjoyed riding on his golf cart to play a round of golf at the Course in the resort while MaryAnn filled her days with arts, crafts and socializing. They built many friendships while there and made many happy memories.
As life does at times, things got a bit fuzzy for Michael. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and spent many years facing these challenges along with the support of his loving family. His wife, MaryAnn passed away in January of 2020.
Michael is survived by his daughter Debbie, son John, daughter in law Julie, grandchildren Tiffany, Antonio, Miguel, Ashley, and Jordan, along with his grandson in law Gerren (husband of Tiffany).
His loving spirit will remain with them and guide them forever. We can all be at peace knowing his suffering has come to an end and he can be in the loving arms of his wife MaryAnn, his siblings, late extended family, many cherished friends, and more.
Michael Harrison’s memorial service will be held on March 12, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood, WA. Reception and graveside service will follow the memorial.
Michael was a humanitarian and believed in making this world a better place for all!
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to “Advocates for immigrants in detention Northwest” www.aidnw.org.
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