Michael Benjamin Gershman passed away on April 13, 2022. He was born to Herbert S. Gershman and Sally Tiesdell Gershman on Nov. 28, 1958, in Columbia, Missouri. He was raised in Columbia and graduated from Rock Bridge High School class of 1976. He also attended the University of the State of New York and received his Associate in Science in Nursing in 1994. Michael was also certified as an EMT and was a clinical hypnotherapist.

Michael worked as a real estate broker at John L. Scott Realty in Ocean Shores. He was previously an instructor of hypnotherapy for 10 years at Everett Community College and worked as a clinical hypnotherapist at Everett Counseling Center.

Michael was the founder and co-owner of Double Hypnosis. He and his life partner Zara led seminars and workshops to help individuals improve aspects of their lives, and Michael also had his own private hypnotherapy practice. Michael was very active in the community of Ocean Shores. He was a member and an officer of the local Toastmasters and was also very involved with and a member of CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team) in Grays Harbor. Michael loved helping others in any way he could. He served his country both in the Marines and the Air Force, serving 10 years combined. The only thing he loved more than helping others was his partner, Zara.

Michael met Zara over 24 years ago, and from the beginning, they knew they were soul mates. The love they have for one another is like no other. They enjoyed going for long walks whenever they could. Some of Michael and Zara’s favorite walks were on the beach, in the Quinault Rainforest and on the Weatherwax trail in Ocean Shores. Their together time was sacred to them.

Michael was a people person. He loved talking with anyone and getting to know them. He also was an avid reader and a birdwatcher.

Michael is survived by his beloved life partner of over 24 years Barbara Bolstad (also known as Zara); his sister Dyan L. Gershman of New York City, New York; and Zara’s children: Robin (Diana) Bolstad of Poulsbo, Washington; Jeffrey (Yasemin) Bolstad of Portland, Oregon; and Jeremy (Abigail) Bolstad of Bellevue, Washington. He is preceded in death by both his parents.

To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.