ForeverMissed
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His Life

Published Obituary

August 5, 2015

Michael James Milnes, age 67, of Bellingham, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Seattle, WA on July 30th 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Kathleen Milnes, and his brother Dennis.

Mike was born in Seattle on July 3, 1948. At the age of 3 the family moved to Juneau, Alaska where they lived when he graduated from Juneau Douglas High School in 1966. Always up for an adventure, he left Alaska after graduation. Along the way he attended Everett Junior College and worked for a variety of companies until his fascination for combustion led him to a career at Advanced Combustion Systems, Inc.,  (ACS) in Bellingham, WA.  He settled here and eventually purchased the company.  Mike was proud to work side by side with his son Mickey, and even prouder to share ownership of ACS, Inc. with him these last few years.

Mike lived his life with enthusiasm and passion.  He loved architecture and building and was always working on a project.  Highlights in his life included spending time with his family, boating and fishing; annual Harley road trips with The Bro’s; Thursday night dinners with his dear friend Dick Whitmore;  chatting and laughing with friends and family into the wee hours with a good bottle of wine; Thanksgivings and New Years with friends in Baja; watching car races and the Baja 1000; helping others; and exploring the world with his love, Judy.  Much to his WSU Grad son Mickey’s chagrin, Mike was also a fervent UW Husky fan.

Mike is lovingly remembered by his partner of 24 years, Judy Marr; children Mickey (Teri) Milnes of Bellingham, WA; Jamee Matisin of Everett, WA; Garrett (Elif Baydar) Marr of Sammamish, WA; Brandess Marr of Santa Rosa, CA; Brothers Tim (MaryLou) Milnes; Dan (Betsy) Milnes;  Sister Tina (Ted) Thompson; Grandchildren; Gage, Gunnar, Macy, Payton, Taelin, Hannah, Dylan, Eli, Remy; Great Granddaughter Paige; and loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and so many friends.

Per Mike’s request no services will be held.  Friends and family are invited to please share thoughts and memories of Mike with the family at: http://mikemilnes.forevermissed.com.  

Next time you’re at a fork in the road and don’t know which way to go, pick the road less traveled.  Mike always did.