Michael John Warren, 73, peacefully passed on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 after a life sharing love, joy and light through a bright smile and shining eyes.
Mikey, born on September 21, 1949, to Lila A. (Mahaffey, Kalina) Warren and Stanley “Stack” A. Warren in Raymond, WA, loved his birthday, Christmas and a good party of any kind! He often showed his name and birth date, imprinted on his identification bracelet to anyone who would accept his invitation to look.
He loved puppies. Puppy was the word he said clearly and most often. He loved music, specifically vinyl record albums. Mike was a prolific user of Crayola Twistables—using cases yearly. He was an artist– when given the chance to interact with craft materials and paints, he made pretty cool stuff. He loved summer camp at Lions Camp Horizon. Mikey, without a word, taught and modeled compassion, love, kindness, joy and how to face adversity with contentment. He was born with and lived a pleasure-filled life with severe Cerebral Palsy and profound developmental and intellectual disabilities. Mike fished and camped, grew up around farm animals, took rides in his brother’s sports cars, and looked forward to the Northwest Washington Fair annually. Mikey had fame as an Easter Seals poster child. Mike was well-cared for by family and caregivers across his lifespan. He attended school in Sedro-Woolley and later at Yakima Valley School, where he graduated.
He lived in nursing and adult family homes in Ferndale, Lynden and Lynwood, WA. He passed away in the care of Providence Hospice in Edmonds, WA with his niece, Kristi Warren Slette (Tore, Kailer, and Toriana) of Bellingham, WA; nephew, Lenny Warren (Kristin, Tana and Joseph) of Sedro-Woolley at his bedside.
Mike is survived by his sister, Georgia Powers of Texas; brother, Jack (Cindy) Mahaffey of Oregon; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darrel “Rab” Warren.
His family wishes to thank the many caregivers who loved and cared for Mike. The work is selfless and invaluable when done with dignity and love. We can’t thank you enough for the support and stability provided. Mikey’s beaming smile and joy in all circumstance will be most remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lion’s Camp Horizon at https://lionscamphorizon.org/ or Providence Hospice of Snohomish County Foundation at https://give.providence.org/wa/hospicehomecare. Please share memories of Mike and sign the online guest register.
Michael was such a sweet, kind, gentle and talented man. His grin… no matter the timing in between visits, was always filled with such radiance, love and sincerity. If he knew you he never forgot you. God Bless you Kristi and Lenny for never leaving him out of any special occasion. You were ALWAYS his everything and he yours.
His earthly body held him back a bit, but he never complained and accepted it… the joy that I feel for you (which seems difficult to say) with your passing is you are now free to run, dance, sing, talk and skip all you want, you will not be held back any longer, so be free Mikey… be free…. you will be dearly missed by many.
“Mikey” as we called him, was a wonderful man. He brought pleasure to many with his love of music, his caring spirit, and his artwork. Some even asked if ever stopped coloring. He truly was a joyous person, always extending an arm out, with a smile and “twinkle” in his eyes, showing his care and love for you. He absolutely loved hugs, giving and receiving. He put his hand on his heart to show the love he shared with you. He will definitely be missed at Christmas, I think his favorite holiday, which we were always privileged to share with him. He truly will be missed by family, friends and the world. Rest in peacefulness “Mikey”, along side of “Adair”, your momma Lila and dad “Stack”. Your love and memories of you, will always remain with us. See you in heaven when our time comes.
Cinde and Scott Wakeman
While it’s been some years since I’ve seen Michael , I have so many memories of him. Always happy and smiling . His love of family and music. I remember going on multiple occasions to Yakima valley school with Stack and Lila to pick him up and bring to sedro woolley to the family home. He touched all who knew him. I believe he is why I choose a career working with the DD population. He impacted me so much at an early age. He will be missed.