Obituary of Michael James Meade

Michael James Meade was born on March 1, 1946 in Pendleton, Oregon to Samuel and Gertrude Meade. He grew up in Hermiston, Oregon with his three sisters, Patricia, Donna and Virginia. Mike attended Hermiston High School and Eastern Oregon University. In1967, he joined the Navy where he served his time on the USS Coral Sea. After he left the military, Mike moved from Hermiston to Portland, Oregon in search of trees and mountains. Mike loved to ski and found great joy in planning and going on ski trips with his family and friends. Mike was very talented and loved to draw, build and create. He spent his career working with his hands installing carpet, tile, and vinyl as well as helping others with various building and remodeling projects.

Mike loved his children and grandchildren and would share their successes with anyone who would listen. He was a huge sports fan and would drive near and far to watch all their games with a camera in hand. Mike loved photography and enjoyed capturing every game, family event and special moment in print. He knew how to throw a great party or tennis tournament and he especially loved Christmas. He would decorate the entire house for all to enjoy and his handmade ornaments on each tree was a highlight to see. Mike was also an avid reader and loved to collect books of all genres. He had a quick, dry wit and was never afraid to speak his mind. Mike was very generous and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved to talk on the phone and would call family and friends daily. Oh what we would do for one more phone call or visit. He shared his hobbies and interests with his children and grandchildren teaching them how to capture the perfect shot, draw, build, cook, ski, laugh and tell a good joke. His influence in their lives is evident to all.

Mike will be missed by all. We have a hole in our hearts that will never be filled, but knowing his spirit is with us every day will continue to bring us peace and comfort. We will cherish the memories and time we had together.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, Maggie Ree, his two children, Rhonda (husband Glenn), and Brian (wife Kristy), his sisters, Patricia and Virginia(husband John), his grandchildren, Keegan (wife Maddie), Austin(fiancé Sarah), Cameron and Kaylee (husband Seth), his great grandson, Maverick, nieces Jennifer and Kristin and his nephew Sam . He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Gertrude and his sister Donna.

Service will be held on November 1, 2021 at Willamette National Cemetery at 1:00PM. Guests will need to arrive by 12:30PM and will meet at the Administrative Office near the main entrance of Willamette National Cemetery. Celebration of Mike’s life will continue after the service at Mike and Maggie’s home for those who wish to join us.