Michael Strickland Obituary


MICHAEL "MIKE" DEAN STRICKLAND
July 9, 1954 ~ March 1, 2017

Michael "Mike" Dean Strickland, 62, passed away in Portland, OR on March 1, 2017, from a heart attack. He was born in Colfax, WA on July 9, 1954, and in 1965 the family moved to Ridgefield, WA. He graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1972, and WSU in 1977 with a degree in Pharmacy.
Mike managed the Ridgefield Pharmacy, owned by the Strickland family, when his father, Les, suddenly passed away. The store was later sold, and he worked for Battle Ground Pharmacy and PayLess Drug Stores. In 1983, he went to work for Hi-School Pharmacy in Scappoose, then the Battle Ground store and finally the Main Street store in Vancouver until 2003. When the store was sold, Mike worked for Walgreens and then Fred Meyer. He had recently returned to Hi-School Pharmacy as a relief pharmacist.
Mike was an avid volunteer, helping out in the classroom when his kids were in grade school. He became involved in the Boy Scouts with Troop 14, where he was an Adult Leader and Eagle mentor.
Mike's biggest passion was the Free Clinic of SW Washington, where he volunteered for over 25 years. In April 2000, he was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, and in January 2016, he received the Marcia Howery Service Award for his dedication to the clinic.
"I've always enjoyed volunteering. It just kinda
gets in your blood. If you could make a living
out of working for nothing, I'm there."
Mike loved to follow sports and his favorite teams, the Trailblazers, Seahawks, Winterhawks and WSU Cougars, but most of all, he was a true blue Yankees fan. He liked to make friendly wagers with co-workers and friends. He was also an avid reader, and loved to listen to music and talk about bands with his kids and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and their friends, his family, and his loving partner, Ruth. Together they enjoyed music, hiking and wine tasting.
Mike is survived by his brothers, William Scott (Carolyn), Jon, Kurt (Tina); his sister, Kathy; his children, Nick, Tom and Megan, and their mother, Geni Fontyn; partner, Ruth Lorente and her children, Ryan (Tara) and Christine, and grandsons, Liam and Mason; several nieces and nephews that also meant the world to him; his former in-laws, Corn and Marie Fontyn; and his dogs, Indie and Mickey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Helen Strickland; his brother, Lee; and nephew, Travis Stallings.
A memorial service will be held Sat., March 18 at Ridgefield High School Auditorium at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Mike's family is asking for donations to be made to the Free Clinic of SW Washington, 4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver, WA 98661.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 12, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Strickland

Not sure what to say?





Wonderful Pharmacist with a big friendly smile. We will miss you.

Howard and Carol Tikka

March 17, 2017

Sorry you left so soon. Good luck.

Meg

March 16, 2017

Mike was one hell of a guy. Growing up his son and I were best friends so I experienced first hand his sense of humor, geniality, and compassion. He never failed to make you feel comfortable and appreciated and his loss is felt keenly by all who knew him. This guy was the real deal.

Kirian

March 15, 2017

Rest in peace Mike, I will miss you! WSU-72

Paul Garrison

March 13, 2017

I met Mike a few times when he and Ruth would come to Fresno to visit her family.. He always had a smile that lit up the room and treated everyone as family.. My grandsons adored him as did everyone. My condolences to his family and best wishes from ours. The Giehler's

Trent Giehler

March 13, 2017

Mike, I can't believe you've gone to a better place. Will miss you at FM. Praying for your family! Mindy

MINDY LUDOLPH

March 13, 2017

My prayers go out to Mike's family, we will miss you mike, but will never forget you. Rest in peace. Karen Fontyn

Karen Fontyn

March 12, 2017

Mike wasn't just the best pharmacist around, he was also a caring friend. I followed him from Walgreens to Fred Meyer as he took a personal interest in "his people". My youngest daughter and he shared a birthday and I was the medium for them to convey best wishes to one another. Mike was a truly dedicated person - he volunteered where he saw a definite need he could fulfill. His enthusiasm always amazed me. Deepest sympathies to Ruth and to his family. The world has lost an incredible man.

Charlotte Lewis

March 12, 2017

Farewell Mike.

Helen Hagen Emmons

March 12, 2017

I will never forget you Mike! Thank you for being there for me and so glad you found happiness my dear friend... I will miss you and know I now have an angel looking out for me. Rest well. Xx

M Maddox

Friend

March 9, 2017

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Strickland's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Strickland

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Strickland's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more