Michael Ray Cornelison, 68, passed away December 25, 2017 in Bellingham following a brief illness. Mike was born September 11, 1949 in Baxter Springs Kansas to Ralph and Imogene Cornelison. When he was a young child, the family moved to Burlington, Washington where they spent many years. Mike, known as “Corne” to many of his friends from school, graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1967. The BEHS Class of ’67 was very dear to him. They celebrated many reunions and remained close over the years. Mike worked in a variety of fields, finally settling into hospital administration, which took him to many places. He lived in California, Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, and Florida. Through all of these places he still considered Skagit Valley and the Pacific Northwest home. He returned to the area settling in Bellingham in 2014.
In 1987, Mike started running. Over the next 30 years, running became his passion. He competed in many races, marathons, ultra-runs, ironmans, and triathlons. Mike was an inspiration to many through his coaching and love of running. He would often spend the majority of a Saturday on the trails with Kona Brown his faithful Chocolate Lab. Despite having a hip replacement and knee replacement over the last couple of years, he was training for 10 marathons in 10 days at the time he became ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Imogene (Jean) Cornelison. He is survived by his daughter, Erin McEachern and her husband Marty of Bellingham; son, Darren Cornelison and his wife Tara; grandchildren, Maya and Hanna McEachern; numerous cousins, as well as many classmates from BEHS class of ’67; and a beloved running community.
Mike will be remembered for his encouraging words, inspiration and passion for running, always reminding folks to “find your strong”. He now runs free and far with no aches or pains and his beloved Kona Brown at his side.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 4:00PM at the Hillcrest Church, 1830 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon, Washington.
So very sorry to learn of the passing of your dear loved one. Remembering all the good things he did and how much he enjoyed life helps to ease the pain.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May GOD heal your broken hearts and give you peace and comfort.
CP, La.
Thank you for believing in me coach Mike, love you kid.
Mike was a dear friend going back to grade school. He was one of special people you just can’t forget. Always a hug and a huge smile. He was an inspiration to so many, and dearly loved by his class of 67 B-EHS classmates.
Good bye Mike! I knew when he left work that I had been blessed to have met him. His strength and promise to do the best by my son gave me the freedom to let go as a caretaker, banker, moderator and friend and gave me the ability to just be a mom. Thor called today and told me of the loss and I want the family to know that Mike was important, made a difference in the life of strangers and in ALL his communities. Hugs and love to the family, friends and loved one. Till we meet again we will stay strong thanks to you.
Mike worked upstairs when I started my dream business. He always had a way of getting under my skin just enough to get me focused and back on track. His stories and strength are legendary, like the man himself. He is loved and missed, and undoubtly sharing smiles wherever he’s gone. Thanks for the time, my friend.
Mike was a kind and giving person. I always admired him for his positive attitude and his commitment to fitness! He shared that with all that were around him. He will be missed.
Mike and I worked together. He was always kind and loved to sit and talk about things he had done and plans he had for the future. He was so heartbroken when he lost Kona !! They are now back running together again. RIP Mike You will be missed.
Peace sweet human, thank you for your kindness. My deepest condolences to your friends, classmates and family.
Mike encouraged me as a newbie runner. We had many long runs together on Saturday mornings in Grosse Ile MI.
Run free dear friend.
Mike was one of those amazing people you can never forget. Always kind and good natured. He will be missed by so many including me. Goodbye, Mike…keep running!
Way too soon pal , you will be missed by all you have touched with your humour and kindness.
We shared so many experiences together, what great times they were, you will be dearly missed by all my Brother.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family and friends. He will be missed by many.
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
From the Swain Family
(Susie,Kirk,Ronda,and Roxann)
My deepest condolences to the Cornelison family.
What a lovely tribute to our childhood friend! My prayers and condolences to Mike’s family and beloved friends.
No words will ever be enough to let you know how much you will be missed. I’m so thankful for all our years of friendship, all the times we spent together, the miles we covered, the laughs, stories and tears we shared together. You were such a big part of our family not just a friend. When I think about you right at this moment I see you running through a field of sunflowers with Kona Brown. Your smile lights up the sky, your big blue eyes twinkle with love. Find your strong. Change your mind, change your life.
Mike the legacy you leave with us all will be carried out each day by so many people. You may be in heaven because God needs you but not for one moment are you gone. The best of the best. Because of you Mike I will continue with love and I will stay strong.
It is not goodbye but until we meet again.
I love you
Lisa
Jay, Annie and Gabby
So sorry for your lost Erin. Thank you for posting this. I love you lady.