Michael Howard Richardson, 71, passed away Nov. 24, 2016 in Olympia, Wash., with his family by his side, due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. A memorial service will be held at the Montesano Church of God, Friday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

Mike was born Oct. 3, 1945 in Auburn, Wash. and grew up in the Puyallup River Valley. He attended Firwood Elementary and graduated from Fife High School in 1963. He attended two years of community college.

Mike worked for Boeing, Inc. before relocating in 1970 to his home in the woods near Shafer State Park outside of Elma, Wash. which he affectionately referred to as El Rancho Go Broko, where he resided the remainder of his life. Mike worked at Thunderbirds and Bayview in the early 70’s but he was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned and operated Unique Home Center, Richardson Company, Richco Development and Loan Star. He spent the majority of his career as a General Contractor until he was forced to slow down due to his health.

Mike was a strong willed and determined man baffling his doctors for over 35 years as he did things his own way living a full life despite his disability. He was a great story teller, philosopher, visionary, and colorful personality enjoying many hobbies in his lifetime, including, fishing, camping, hunting, horseback riding, singing, playing guitar and piano. He was the member of a band, delighted in reading and writing literature and poetry, drafting house plans, and panning for gold in the Rockies. Mike may have been the happiest as Captain of the Paragon and Magoo Too on which he entertained friends and family for years cruising all over the Puget Sound, Hood Canal, San Juan Islands and Canadian waters.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Ellen (Buckingham) Richardson and his son-in-law, Larry Quinn.

Mike leaves many wonderful memories to be cherished by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 52 years; Claudia, four children; daughter Tamara (Marty) Walker, Soldotna, Alaska, daughter, Renee Quinn, Montesano, son, Nick Richardson, Elma, and daughter, Lisa (Jimmy) Zimmerman, Elma; two sisters; Patricia (Leroy) Schatz, Elma, and Cynthia (Bruce) Henninger, Bellingham, and nine grandchildren; Lesli Richardson, Lyndsy, Noah and Hannah Quinn, Olivia and Sky Richardson, and Cade, Logan, and Ruby Zimmerman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Larry Quinn Memorial Scholarship Fund at 303 North Church Street, Montesano, WA, 98563.

Harrison Family Mortuary is honored to assist the family. To express condolences or leave memories visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.