Michael William Sipes
August 30, 1950 - September 2, 2007
Obituary
Michael William SIPES
AUGUST 30, 1950 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2007
On September 2, 2007 Michael William Sipes passed away while enjoying one of his passions in life, golf. Michael “Mike” was the son of a railroad agent and grew up at the railroad depot in Grangeville, ID. He moved with his family to Lewiston, ID in 1963 then to Tacoma, WA in 1967 and graduated from Wilson High School in 1968. From there he attended multiple colleges eventually graduating from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Mike continued his education at Highline Community College, graduating from the Respiratory Therapy program in 1975. Mike married his true love, Cynthia Cindy Ann Martinson March 18, 1972. The two had their first child, Michelle Nadine Sipes, June 4, 1979 and their second, Benjamin Martin Sipes December 24, 1981. He was a devoted husband, father, and respiratory therapist and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and volunteering both in his community and profession. Mike dedicated over 24 years to the Respiratory Department at Virginia Mason before moving on to Harborview where he spent the last 10 years. He was a former president of the Washington State Respiratory Society, past president, treasurer, coach, and referee for Hi-Six Soccer Association, Vice President of Highline Soccer Association, coached HSA boys and girls soccer teams, and was a current member of the Riverbend Men’s Golf Club. Mike is survived by his parents Gerald and Shirley, brother John Janice, sister Jeanette Wallace Don Stiles, wife Cindy, daughter Michelle Casey Marvin, son Ben Angela grandson Connor. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the Highline Community College Student Union building, 2400 S. 240th , Des Moines. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Michael Sipes Scholarship Fund at a Washington Mutual Bank. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
Dear Sipes Family,
Mike is missed more and more everyday in everyway! With my father living 3,ooo miles away, i looked at Mike as a father figure. It was such a pleasure chit chatting w/ him. To my husband who also worked w/ Mikeand I, he was ‘The Sipster’! He could do anything!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl & Nick
Cindy~
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your soul mate. Mike was a very special person with a huge heart & worked tirelessly for our kids. Here’s a big hug Cindy & next time we run into each other at Safeway, I’ll give you another. Take care of yourself special lady, many people depend upon your smile, caring & graciousness.
Paula Cabunoc
My prayers go out to you Cindy,Michelle and Ben in the loss of your husband and father.
Cindy,
I wanted to express my deepest condolences on the death of your husband. I just received the Highline Times/News and saw his obituary. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I still remember some fun parties at your house with the Burien gang. Wishing you God’s comfort and peace.
Janie Garris Overmier
Dear Cindy, Michelle and Ben,
We just learned of Mike’s passing. What a huge loss for all of us that had the good fortune to know him.
Dear Cindy, Michelle and Ben,
I was shocked to hear about Mikes passing. Over the years he was a mentor, boss, great colleague and a friend. I enjoyed many years on the RCSW board with him. I could always count on him for advice wether it be about work or family. He was a wonderful and generous human being. He will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ellen
Mike wasn’t just someone you could talk to, but someone you WANTED to talk to. I was very fortunate to have him as my boss the past ten years and learned a lot from him. I will strive to emulate him in both work and life and hold his leasons dear.
WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO CINDY SIPES AND HER FAMILY I USE TO WORK WITH CINDY IN HER BEAUTIFUL ADULT FAMILY HOMES IN 2005-2006. SHE WAS VERY NICE AND SHE CARED FOR HER EMPLOYEES AND HER RESIDENTS. I KNOW THIS IS HARD FOR HER SHE WAS VERY FAMILY ORIENTATED AND TO LOSE A SPOUSE MUST BE VERY HARD. I SAW THE OBITUARY IN THE NEWSPAPER AND THE SIPES NAME IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET SHE GAVE ME A JOB WHEN I NEEDED ONE. SEND BLESSINGS AND COMFORT TO CINDY AND MICHELLE AND HER SON WHO I DONT KNOW BUT THEY WILL MISS THEIR DAD. GODS BLESSING SHARMAINE GODBEE
Cindy, Michelle and Ben, My heart goes out to you for your loss. I worked for Cindy Sipes from 1998-2006 and came to know Mike as a great person. Sorry for your loss.
Though I never worked directly with Mike, I knew him through the state Respiratory association. It strikes me that he left such a positive mark on those whose lives he touched. People refer to his integrity, his wisdom, his sense of professionalism, and his love for his family. If, at the end of my life, this is how people describe me, I will consider it a life well-lived. Mike’s family deserves to be very proud. Cindy, our hearts are with you.
I’ve tried to find the words to express my feelings for Mike. The one that seems so simple and yet captures the complexity of how I knew him is friend.
I was shocked and deepley saddened at the sudden loss of Mike. He was a great leader and role model for his profession. I hope that his family will find some comfort knowing that his good nature, his warmth of soul and his many friends send prayers of love & hope.
What a joy it was to work with Mike. He remains to this day as one of the finest, classiest managers I worked with. His clinical excellence was unsurpassed; he had a vision and the energy to achieve the vision; he had a sense of humor that carried us through tough times as well as the good ones.
He loved his wife and children dearly, and made no bones about singing their praises. His sense of values was a model for others.
I thank God that Mike was in my life as colleague and friend.
Ruth Anderson
I will so very much miss Mike.I worked under his leadership for many years.He always had time to listen, had a solution and answer for every question.He showed me as much respect as I felt for him.He had a silly side that I enjoyed.I will hold onto my happy memories of him and wish the same for you,Cindy, and your children.
Mike was a very special person to me. He was my supervisor, mentor, friend and sometimes golf partner. I learned so much from Mike, not just about Respiratory care, but about treating people fairly, giving the benefit of the doubt and appreciating the efforts of others. I will miss him dearly, my condolences to all of his family and friends.
Mike will be missed more than I think anyone could know. Just a few months back when Mike and I were working out the details for the RCSW registration “Issues”, he kept a calm collected attitude about the whole thing and kept Celeste and I on track. He actually missed the first day because he “Had to golf” that day! I as well as others are better people for having known him.
It was a pleasure to know Mike all these past 25 years that I have been involved in the RCSWWSSRC. He has been a leader,mentor, and credit to his profession and will be sorely missed. God rest his soul, his work on Earth is done.
Peace be with his family and multitude of friends. Tom
Gosh I don’t know what to say except how sorry I am to hear of Mike’s sudden passing. I will never forget the day he hired me as a therapist at Harborview and although it has been a few years since I left I still thought of him often. I will always be thankful to have had such a wonderful supervisor and teacher.
We will miss you.
There is a saying about golf that if you play a round of golf with a person it will reveal their true character. Both Cathy & I have had the pleasure of playing more than a few rounds of golf with Mike. There never was a truer gentleman on the golf course. Just another example of how that saying holds true–there was no finer gentleman than Mike Sipes. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
We will all miss Michael very much and our hearts and support are with you in this time of grief. He had a wonderful life.
God Bless! BEA Kaczmarski
As my supervisor for 9 years at HMC, I felt so protected under Mike’s leadership. He was the ideal father-figure, who lead with such wisdom, fairness, and grace. He was so trust-worthy and was the best listener, who would give you all his time and attention. He had a solution for everything, both professionally and personally. And I so enjoyed his soft, goofy, humorous side. Among my favorite memories of him was sharing our mutual affinity for “Dancing with the Stars” since season 2. I will sorely miss Mike.
Michael:
Your good work both on and off the Soccer field were deeply appreciated by SeaTac Soccer Club and Highline Soccer Association. You spent many extra hours scheduling the youth games for the Association and even longer hours trying to accomodate everyone! You were a facilitator and mediator when and where the President of Highline Soccer Association failed -and I will miss you greatly as a friend as well.
PAX,
Michael J. Ziemann, Past President, HSA
I considered it a priviledge and honor to have known Mike; serving with him on the HSA board for so many years and endless soccer referee discussions…The world is suddenly a little dimmer for his passing. But I know wherever Mike is now that there will be that twinkle in his eye and shy, charming, downright orney smile on his face and he’ll be speaking in that voice of his on_________! He’ll be missed. Big hug to you. Cindy Moore
Dear Mrs Sipes and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Mike. He was a wonderful person and an outstanding respiratory care manager. Being “under” him at Harborview for 2 years, he has made my experience there a very positive one. He will truly be missed and the department will never be the same. My prayers are with you and all the family. My heartfelt condolences.
Chris Almajose RRT Regional hospital/Harborview
I wanted the Sipes family to know that we thought the world of Mike. We started out as Respiratory Therapy professionals, on the board and at state conferences golfing of course. His smile and stories were always welcomed features, you just knew he had something else up his sleeve. It’s been said he died doing with he loved with people he loved and now we can only hope he has enough green pastures to keep him busy until the rest of us join him. Mike now you can get your hole in one or at least a birdie.
Cindy-I was shocked when you Mom called me–I have so many memories of Mike but of course the best is when I got you and him together. How I would stand by the phome encouraging him to call you and finally he did and looked what happened. I am so happy I played cupid!! But now that I remember I had to call for him!! We re so thankful we got to see him in June at Karens-he was still giving me a bad time and of course I gave it right back-We love you-Nancy
Cindy-I was shocked when you Mom called me–I have so many memories of Mike but of course the best is when I got you and him together. How I would stand by the phome encouraging him to call you and finally he did and looked what happened. I am so happy I played cupid!! But now that I remember I had to call for him!! We re so thankful we got to see him in June at Karens-he was still giving me a bad time and of course I gave it right back-We love you-Nancy
We became Respiratory Therapists together at Highline Community College. Later, Mike hired me at Virginia Mason Medical Center and became my mentor – patient, steady, kind, exemplary, professional, always looking forward. We are a better Respiratory Care Community because of Mike. Thank you.
Cindy and Family,
I was saddened to read about Mike this morning in the paper, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Shari
I feel like I have lost a brother. Mike and I met daily at work to discuss important department events, so I feel I know him pretty well. He was always a professional man, who truly lived what he believed. Which is a model for all of us. I have learned a lot from him and will miss him tremendously.
Mike ws one of the nicest men I have ever met. He was our go to person in our department, very approachable and very diplomatic, and a great story teller and the king of cool. I just know that he is now strolling toward the 9th hole with a smile on his face. He will be sorely missed by all of us. He was a man’s man and I am sure that his family was very proud of him. God bless you all, my prayers are with you.
Cindy,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. May God be with you,
John and Peggy
Cindy, Michelle, and Ben: My heart goes out to you all. Words can’t express how I feel. I pray God will comfort you at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Michael’s passing is a loss to all who knew him both personally and professionally.
Though I don’t remember Mike well I look back with fond memories of dinners at the railroad depot in Grangeville… Fishing/camping trips and boating with both of our families when I was young.. Mike’s parents remain two of my favorite people in the whole world and on behalf of my family we send our deepest sympathy… Harry Stegner
I am at a loss for words. When ever I think of Mike I see his smile. My hopes and prayers are with you Cindy and your children. I am very sorry for your loss. Mike was and is a one of a kind. I will always have good memories of Mike the “Benevolent” for that is how I saw him as boss, friend, later as peer later for 33 years. Mike was a great mentor and example for me professionally and personally as well for which I will never forget. I receive some GREAT advise from Mike over the years that paid off for me for which I am grateful.
Cindy, Ben, and Michelle,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mike hired me at Virginia Mason 22 years ago and became my mentor like so many other Respiratory Therapists. His professionalism,caring, strength, humor, and integrity touched all of us. He was very much a part of my personal and professional growth and gave me an example in which to follow.
Dear Shirley and Gerry,
What an incredible person Mike was. You must be very proud of him.
My heart aches for you and my prayers and love are with you.
Barbara Koenigs
cindy, michelle, ben- how sad that mike is gone. no matter if we know someone is ill and time is short or, someone leaves suddenly, the pain is the same. cindy, i remember myself and other nurses flirting with mike- knowing he would smile and tease in return But- all of us knew you were the ONLY one for him. working with you at the afh, i watched him share and support the dream of care for the fragile ones. he was always fixing something to keep everything up and running. always, with a smile and kind words for the clients. michelle, i watched you progress in your sports, deal with the injuries and always bounce back. your mom kept me informed of your doings- college, marraige and all. your dad had a prideful look on his face whenever he spoke of you. you were his ‘baby girl’. ben, you were always present- helping keep up the grounds of the afh or, helping us get clients of the floor- no matter the hour. i will always smile at the thought of client sylvia when she would say “oh my!!” at the sight of you, lean and fit, barechested, mowing the lawn at the afh..you made her day!. cindy- you know i can truly say i know how you feel. i live with my memories at each moment of each day. there is NO time frame to all of this. it will be a while before you can even think of the future. that’s ok. you will get there and so will you michelle and ben. let your emotions guide you. accept all the support offered. highline gpu feels your sadness and offers it’s support. as do i, cindy. i am honored to have known mike- a great man who’s reputation will not be forgotten. God bless you all. i am here now and in the future cindy. love you, cindy lou gailey
Cindy and Family, It was with dis-belief that I heard of Mike’s passing. From the time we were in school together Mike was always a kind and constant presence. I looked forward to his coming to Harborview to get a chance to share an office and of course peanut M&M’s. I will miss him as I am sure we all will. Celeste
We are sorry for your loss.
We enjoyed spending time with him in Palm Springs and will always think of Mike when we take out a frozen bottle of water from the freezer. You had to have been there. He was a good guy and we truly are sorry.
Cindy, Michelle, Ben, I am shocked like the rest of you. My heart and prayers go out to all of you during this diffulct time. Mike was a wonderful, kind man and a wonderful coach to my daughter. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. May God bless you and give you strenght. Love ~ Sandy