Michael E. Laabs, 71, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 surrounded by his family.
Mike was born on March 17, 1945 in Seattle, the son of Eugene & Phyllis Laabs. He was raised and attended school in the Shoreline area of Seattle, graduating from Shoreline High School with the class of 1963.
In 1964 Mike married his high school sweetheart, Helene GeRoy and they made their home in Edmonds. Mike worked for a while for Boeing and the U.S. Post Office and then for several years for International Barricade. In 1978 Mike and Helene started AABCO Barricade, manufacturing highway construction safety barricades, out of their home’s garage in Mountlake Terrace. After a few years they outgrew the garage, moving the business to North Seattle. Mike retired in 1996. In 1999 they moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Helene preceded Mike in death in 2007. Mike was later set up on a blind date, (phone call) with Judy Fisher and it was instant love. They have been companions for several years, marrying on May 9, 2015.
Mike was an avid sports fan; he enjoyed watching the Mariners, Seahawks and Huskies; in the early 70’s Mike was a youth football coach at the Greenwood Boy’s Club where they won a Greater Seattle City Pee Wee league championship; he was also an avid fisherman.
Mike is survived by his wife, Judy Laabs of Sedro-Woolley; step-sons, Brandon Richardson and Scott Avant; 3 granddaughters, Kirsten & Kristi Michaels and Jamie Blissett; 4 step-grandchildren, Krissy & Jacob Avant and Chase & Tygan Richardson; his sister, Barb Leah; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Pat & Pam Farrow; sister-in-law, Annette Farrow; good friends, John & Wendy Luker, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Helene, Mike was also preceded in death by his parents, and daughter Lindi Michaels in 2005.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to Sedro-Woolley Youth Football in memory of Mike.
RIP Mike
Lots of great memories from our Shoreline days and the many days on the gridiron. RIP Mike.
Marty McGowan
So long old friend, folks will not care a lot about memories …. but I do remember our friendship in high school ….. so long …..
Michael was a former brother-in-Law, I am Helen’s sister. Mike was a good friend to me while married to Helene. He employed both my children Ken and Stephen Holden, during the startup phase of AABCO. We had many good times together, especially fishing.
I am just wondering why Mike Jr. was not mentioned in his obituary.
I am so sadden to hear of Mike’s passing. I am a Shoreline High School classmate of his. I last saw him in in 1966 while home on leave from the military. If I had known he lived so close to me I would have contacted him to renew our friendship.
Mike and I attended Shoreline High in north Seattle together. I read about his moving to Sedro a couple of years ago, but,…never got around to looking him up. Life’s short folks, so….hug your tribe! Chuck Myers, Sedro Woolley, WA.