Captain Michael Ernest Coffey
August 5, 1966 - August 9, 2002
Obituary
Captain Michael E. ”Mike” Coffey age 36, was born on August 5, 1966 in Albany, Oregon and passed away on August 9, 2002. Mike was a Firefighter with Eastside Fire and Rescue station #71 in Issaquah, WA. he is survived by his wife; Pam Coffey, sons; Collin and Aaron Coffey, parents; Ernest and Helen Coffey, sister; Janice Prieby and husband Bill, brother; Bob Coffey, brother-in-law Kelly Korleski, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins.
Mike, I’ll be missing you on the escort rides. You left us much too early and you will be greatly missed. My condolences to your family and may they be comforted with with the good memories you shared together.
With my deepest sympathy to your loved ones,
Susan Benner, Washington State Motorcade
Our sympathies go out to all of those touched by this tragic loss. Mike was a true inspiration, a father, husband and hero. He will be missed and always remembered.
I worked with Mike when he was an MST in the ED at Valley. Also when he was part of the Medic I program. Mike was loved by patients and staff. He was hard-working, and knew how to make his job fun at the same time. Everyone enjoyed working with Mike. He will always have a special place in the hearts of those of us in the ED at Vally.
Great sorrow for your loss. My son Richard Burke was a fellow firefighter with Michael. Met Michael a year ago at the Issaquah station, such a fine person. Daughter Kathy Pryor worked with Michael out of VMC in Renton so we know what a loss it is. Our prayers for all of you and you are in our thoughts at this trying time. Carolyn M. Burke
We have wonderful memories of Mike and his work with the American Red Cross over the years. We offer our sincere condolences to his family. Our prayers are with you.
Norm & Joyce
Pam, Collin, and Aaron: Our deepest sympathies are with you at this time. We were privileged to have Mike as a part of our family, even for a short time. Although we are unable to be with you today in person, please know that we are there in spirit. You are in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers today and always. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to lean on those who love you. Love always, Bill, Lois, Rob, Katie, and Grandma Gleue
To my extended family, may you all feel the prays from my family to yours.
Love,
Brettann, David, and Jordan
To whoever this may concern,
My name is Anna Friedman, and I would like to give you my deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Mike Coffey. I did not know him personally, but through recent events I feel somewhat of a connection to him and feel that I should write in this memorial book. My cousin Tara and I she is 18 and I am 16 were driving on Beacon Hill on August 9, and saw the crash happen right in front of us. We jumped out of the car and immediately started administering CPR which we are both trained in. To our deepest dismay, it seemed nothing could be done to bring him back. During this time he remained unconscious, and seemed to feel no pain. His spirit was already in heaven when we got there. We continued CPR until the paramedics came, and they took over. We are both terribly sorry for your loss, and our prayers are forever with you.
Sincerely,
Anna Friedman
We are so sorry!! Mike was such a dear person from early childhood through young adulthood. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family. Mike was a SPECIAL nephew and cousin. We will miss him.
Mike was such a giving and selfless person and cousin. He spent alot of time at my parent’s house when my brother and I were young. We had alot of fun and he took care of us and has continued to take care of other people in his profession and that seemed to come naturally to him. Mike was such an ideal role model for his boys and they will always have a part of him in them. Family came first for Mike and I know he will continue to watch over his family from heaven. I love you, Mike and God bless.
Our sympathy for the family left behind, our thoughts are with you. We will miss Mike’s happy smiling face and sense of humor such as it was. The Seattle HOG Chapter and Northwest Motorcycle School send their prayers and our sympathy to the family.
Words could never describe Mike’s character. There are no words that good. I never saw Mike without a smile and couldn’t help but smile when I was around him. He was one fo the most genuinely friendly people I have ever met. I miss him very much. I am thankful that I was able to spend a few hours with him the day before the accident when he brought his crew to my fire station to visit with my crew. It was a very pleasant visit and I never would have known how much I would come to cherish that time. I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of seeing Mike at the Fire Department and riding escorts. Riding will never be the same without him. He will be missed by many and our community has lost a true treasure. My deepest sympathies to Pam, Collin, Aaron and the rest of the family. I feel devestated and I cannot comprehend the magnitude of your loss. If there is anything we can do, please ask.
JD Smith – Redmond Fire Department & Washington State Motorcade
Mike was a dedicated family man, and always had a smile upon his face. I will remember Mike for his kind generous spirit. God Bless The Coffey’s.
Helen, Ernie, Janice, & Bob:
We are so VERY SORRY to hear about your loss. We only knew Mike a short time, but feel your pain and anguish. Wish we could be there to cry, hug and hold your hand through this. Our hearts are heavy and very, very sad. All we can do is pray for you all and keep you deep in our thoughts. We love you guys and have too, have gone through the heartache of losing a loved one at such a young age. Just know that we are thinking of all of you and will try to contact you soon! Love you!
Deb and Doug!
HELEN, ERNIE, JANICE AND BOB,
WE CANNOT EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHIES ENOUGH ON YOUR LOSS. WE HAVE SUCH FOND MEMORIES OF MIKE AND OF OUR YEARS TOGETHER AS FRIENDS. WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST CONDOLANCES AND LET YOU KNOW THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND MIKE.
WE LOVE YOU,
THE LEIGHTON FAMILY
LINDA, LEIGH, LAURA AND DOUG
When I babysat for Ernie and Helen, Mike was the oldest out the 4 my daughter included. I will never forget that wonderful smile he had when he sat back and watched the other 3 fussing about and bothering each other. He was always friendly and in a good mood even for a kid. Lots of Love and a sunney journey . Hugs from Andrea to you All.
All of the Coffey’s have a strong Irish heritage and even a Stonger faith in our Lord God. From our family line to yours we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Pam and the boys, and to Mike’s parents Ernie and Helen; and to the other family memebers too. We have had tradgey in our family line too. We have found that our Lord God has always helped us in our greatest time of need. Because of the simularity of carreersMike’s & mine and interests, let alone the photo resemblance, I know that our two Coffey lines are closely linked. If we our family line can do anything to help you and yours in this time, please e-mail us. I will be at the memorial service on Wednesday representing our line of Coffey’s; the U. S. Military Police Corps, and the King County DOT Safety Unit. Sincerely, and in HIS Service, LTC Raymond W. and Mrs. Linda J. Coffey, Shoreline WA 206 367-8167
We had the priviledge of watching Mike grow up from the age of 13 when he used to come by the fire station and visit us “brand new medics”. His enthusiasm and drive was evident even then. Our heartfelt condolences to Pam, the boys and the rest of the family.
Keith Keller
Medical Services Officer
King County Medic One
Ernie, Helen, Bob, Janice, and Pam; I am so very sorry for your loss. Mike was always such a good guy and losing him hurts us all. His positive attitude and dedication to helping people inspired everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We have such great memories of Mike. Our paths crossed so many times through the years–in the neighborhood, at school, at the fire department, at the amusement park, and through Bob’s friendship with Billy. May you draw strength from your family and friends during this trying time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Judy and Cathy
To Mike’s family and friends,
I got to know Mike over 20 years ago when we were part of Seattle’s Red Cross youth first aid team. I think he was barely 14 at the time and I was a year younger. We shared the same interest in the medical field and also went on to join the Seattle Fire Department’s Explorer Scout program together in the early 80’s.
Mike got his driver’s license a year before me and would always stop by to give me a ride every Saturday to those meetings at Station 14. I knew Mike was destined for a career in the emergency services and he served well…whether it was as a teen first aider, a King County paramedic, or a fire captain. I feel privileged to have known Mike and offer my sincere condolences.
Helen,
More than 30 years ago, I worked with you at Doctors Hospital. I remember fondly the conversations we had about your young children, and am so sorry to hear of Mike’s untimely death. Our prayers are with your entire family as you adjust to this loss.
Bea Pheifer
I met Mike, face-to-face, just once — at the 20 year reunion of the American Red Cross Seattle First Aid Service Team FAST. Mike gave an inspiring talk to all gathered. He brought me to tears and moved others to expand their involvement with the Red Cross. Mike had and will continue to be an inspiration to many. He was one of the founders of the FAST program and his name is often mentioned when speaking of ‘Red Cross success stories.”
I managed the Red Cross Youth program from 1992-2002 and benefited from the excellent work he and others established in the early 1980’s — a foundation that continues to be built upon today.
Mike WILL BE remembered and truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pam and the boys.
P.S. Collin and Aaron — your dad will always be a hero in the minds of many!!
Pam, our thoughts are with you, and we hope you will call on us for any help or support we can give.
Pam – We just want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this time. We don’t live far from you so let me know if there is anything I can do to help. All our Love Sue and Paul Martin.
to the coffey family,all of our love and condolenses during these difficult times,we will say a prayer for all of you.mike was a fine gent who allowed us on occassion to spend time with him on ridealongs on medic4.i will allways cherish these memories,may god bless and care for you all.john hosie,paramedic,bc. ambulance service….
I Lived across the street from mike and his family when we were young.when i was about l5-l7 I use to babysit for his family. My parents still live there. I had heard he was became a fireman and was very proud of him. To his family I send my Love and am so sorry for your loss. ALWAYS rememember the good times I will remember him as a great person to know. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. My parents send there sympathies also.
JODY STEADMAN WAS BROWN
Dear Pam & little boys:
Mike left you a legacy in his two sons Pam. He knew you’d find the strength to guide his sons,possibly down the caring road you & Mike lived. Some people are not with us very long,but they definetly leave footprints on our soul. I love you Pam–If you need help with the little guys for a day or few hours to yourself–to get a new perspective on life-give me a call. 425 643-5602
Love Your friend Peggy
Mike,
Dear Friend… Just a note for your family…
I believe that if you have saved one life here, you have changed the world.
You Saved many lives.
I miss you already.
Please watch out for us as you have always done.
Thank You, Brother,
Rescue
Pam and Family,
I have been given the info about Mike’s tragic accident from Tricia. I am at a loss to understand your confusion and shock. I can only give my prayers and thoughts to you in this time. I have you in my heart and will remember our time at the Healey/Margulis Hilton fondly. I hope you know my Midwest heart is thinking of you. God Bless, Kate Ruhland
Dear Family and Friends of Mike Coffey,
I am writing to all of you because I know that at this time you all must feel overwhelmed with emotions and my cousin and I have information that can help ease your mind a little in such a tragedy.
We were both in a vehicle next to Mike and saw the accident. I think he only saw the vehicle for a split second and we both know he felt no pain because he was knocked completely unconscious. We both rushed to his side and after determining his condition began two-person CPR. 911 had been dialed immediately by someone on a cell phone. The fire truck showed up within minutes and they continued CPR and moved Mike into the ambulance shortly after. Mike was then airlifted to Harborview. Everyone did their best to sustain Mike’s life but I think the injuries were just too great.
We both felt a tremendous amount of loss for someone we were with only the last moments of his life. After hearing about the remarkable person Mike was we wish we could be as lucky as all of you to have known such a shining star.
No one will ever know why someone so great was taken from this world, but his light will continue to shine in all of the people he touched. His death has taught us the most important lesson in life; it is precious and we don’t know our future, LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST. Because of Mike we will hug our friends more, reach out to those in need more, go after our dreams and passions, and of course, try to live our life like Mike’s; to the fullest because life is precious and we don’t know our future.
I am sure that Mike has taught each of you this and I hope you follow his inspiration so that his light will continue to make good things happen.
With our deepest sympathy,
Tara Byrne and Anna Byrne Friedman