Mike Kempkes, 63, died at his childhood home in Concrete, Washington on January 8, 2013.
Born May 9, 1949 in Mt. Vernon, WA, he was employed by Puget Sound Energy for 31 years as a machinist and hydro operator before retiring in 2009. Mikey also worked part-time for Aero Skagit as a First Responder, from which he retired to join the Board of Directors.
He and Bobbi married in 1973 and spent their early years in Puyallup where he worked as a truck driver for a construction company. He was hired by Puget Power in 1978, where he worked at numerous hydro plants in Northwest Washington.
Mikey loved RV’ing with his family and friends. He and his wife had recently completed a two month trip into Canada and Alaska with their closest friends. He was also a long time Seahawks fan and very predictable on game days.
Surviving family include his wife of 39 years, Bobbi Kempkes, of Concrete, WA; daughters, Crissie and husband, Judd Wilson, of Concrete and Jenae and husband, Shaun Whitlock, of Bay View, WA; sister, Susan Lee and husband Frank Marshall, of The Villages, FL. His favorite past-time was his five grandchildren, Tanner Wilson, Mackenzie Wilson, Mason Whitlock, Mia Whitlock and Madden Whitlock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kemp and Jean Kempkes.
Mikey may not have been a man of many words, but the words he spoke will ring in our hearts (and make us laugh) forever. Come share your unforgettable stories at an informal, open house, Memorial held at the Concrete CCD Center, corner of C Ave. and Limestone Street, Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 2-4pm. After the game, of course, so we can cheer on the Hawks with him.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in his name to Aero Skagit Emergency Service at P.O. Box 705 Concrete, WA 98237.
Bobbi and family,
I wrote a note a few days ago but was not sure that I sent it correctly. And in looking, I find it did not post. I was surprised to see Mike’s picture in the obituaries. It seems that we are too young to die.
And you and your family must feel that most. Mike will leave a hole on this earth that cannot be filled by anyone else. I pray as you go through this time of sorrow you will find peace in knowing that God is fully in charge and is the Comforter.
Love and hugs to all who miss Mike; and you have been in my prayers. Louise
Dearest Family and Friends of Mike,
Although I only met Mike a few times, he left an everlasting impression upon me. His gruff exterior was simply a mask for one of the kindest and funniest men I ever met. As I said, I only work with him for a short time, but I will remember those days. We are remember not by what we have, but what we have done for others. Mike will be remembered for a very long time.
Bobbi, I am so sad that Mike is gone from this world. Even though I haven’t seen you guys in such a long time, I remember some great times together. Getting to know him while working for the Forest Service and sharing a house together while going to Skagit Valley College are some of those times. I definetly enjoyed his laugh and sense of humor. Perry Wood
Bobbi and family,
Mike was such an important part of our lives in Concrete and holds a special place in our hearts . God Bless.
Bobbie and family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family during this time. I have such great memories of Mike and all the times he made me laugh growing up. He has always been a valuable part of Concrete and the upper valley. Again thoughts and prayers with you all.
Hi Bobbi,
So sorry to hear about Mikey. I haven’t seen you folks for a long time, I’m still at PSE. Always enjoyed working with both of you. Loved that gentle giant, everyone knew him. Whenever there was any question from us meter readers about anything at Baker, it was “Call Mikey!” So glad you got to move back to Concrete and also do the recent travelling. Good memories will help with your loss. Take care, Rose
Bobbie and family:
Such a loss for you and family and all of us who loved Mike. I have many good memories of him and being with him and family. My heart and thoughts are with you and I will cheer on the Seahawks on the 13th while thinking of Mike. God Bless you all.
Bill
Bobbie and family – my heart goes out to you at this hard time. Remember when we lived close and I sold cleaning products to you and Mike? I loved our afternoon visits. I will pray for you and yours. Sandie
I’m going to miss my ol’ neighbor. Mike was always one of Concrete’s hidden gems, with a kind spirit and affable way about him. Condolences to Bobbi and family.
Bobbi & family, My thoughts & Prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May your Faith,Family,Friends and Many Happy Memories help you in the days to come. You have a Very Special Guardian Angel looking down on you 24/7. I enjoyed knowing Mile in high school and will miss seeing him around on my trips to Concrete. Take Care I Care.
Linda
Bobbi and Family,
We take our loved ones for granted until they are gone, then we only have memories. My memories of Mike are many starting with early mornings in Mr. Boulton’s office gearing up for safety boy patrol duties. In good weather and bad, Mike always made it fun. In high school I wouldn’t call Mike the class clown but he surely kept us laughing most of the time – the jolly teddy bear. When Mike was the Upper Baker operator, he was Mr. Dependable always available, cool and calm during plant emergencies. Lastly, I can see him saying now “G Man Nit Nus, this sucks …” Mikey, I’ll see you on the other side I hope.
Blessings from the Pope, Steve
Dear Bobbie and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will not be able to attend the memorial, but our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely, Bill and Patsey
To think of you not being around is hard, you always made me smile, and were always there when needed. Many cherished memories, your beautiful cars, your fear of Shock the great dane next door, teaching me how to ski, sharing your parents with me as a kid, so many wonderful memories. My heart hurts but the thought of you makes me smile.
Bobbie, Janeae, Chrissie, Shaun, and Judd- I am very sorry for you loss I know he will be missed in all of our hearts. One thing I will always remember about Mikey is that he will always tell you how it is. No beating around that bush straight to the point and I will always rwspect him for that. You and your families will be in our Prayers and our hearts.
Chris and Michelle
To all the Kempkes~My sympathy goes out to each and everyone of you in the loss of your loved one, Mike. I have so many cherished memories of our childhood and teenage years growing up together in Concrete. I enjoyed watching him bowl back in the 1980’s at the Sedro Woolley bowling alley and he always had a silly prank to pull on someone! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane Valentine
Cousin Mike, you will surely be missed by all who knew and loved you! You were a teddy bear of a man and I have so many fond memories of you. Much love to Bobbie, Crissie, Janae, cousin Susan and families!
Love you all,
Sherry
BOBBIE AND FAMILY OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND BOTH FAMILIES. MIKE WAS A GREAT FRIEND TO ALL HE MET. I’M BROUGHT TO TEARS MANY TIMES THINKING OF THE PRANKS HE PULLED WHEN WE WERE CROSSING GUARDS BACK IN GRADE SCHOOL. NEEDLESS TO SAY SOME LOGGING TRUCK DRIVERS DIDNT THINK HE WAS SO FUNNY. AGAIN OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. LARRY AND GERI COMSTOCK
Bobbi and Family,
May you find solace in your memories. My memories of Mike are many and they all bring a smile to my face. He will be missed.
Larry Hoover
Bobbie, Crissie, Janae and family ~ Our sympathy goes out to you all in the loss of Mike. We remember when we got together with all of you years ago with the Punteney family. Lots of fun and laughter! Mike will be missed! You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Take care!
Bill & Jowana Hickman