Michael Patrick Jellison, 44
Michael Patrick Jellison was born in Missoula, on Jan. 30, 1962. He passed away on Friday, April 7, 2006, at his home in Seattle with his loving wife Stephanie at his side. Mike had been courageously battling brain cancer for over two years. Only the advance of severe problems from his illness forced him to leave his work, which he dearly loved, at the end of September 2005.
Mike grew up in Kalispell. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1980. "Mikey," as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, spent his youthful summers at his parents' and grandparents' cabins on Flathead Lake near Lakeside. He participated in or helped to run most of the early sailboat races held on the north end of the lake.
When Mike was 14, he was one of the first computer experts in the Flathead Valley. He helped set up some of the first personal computers sold in the valley. Mike had an easy time in computer classes in college because he usually knew more than the professors in those early days of the computer revolution. Mike graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in computer sciences. He went to work as a programmer for the University of Washington Medical Center. Mike loved his job because he got to work with huge computers and multimillion-dollar software programs.
Mike was well known at IT services at the U of W Medical Center for his obsession with computers, broad knowledge base, willingness to help, approachability, and always having lots of treats for his visitors. Mike was one of the original members of the Medical Centers' Interface Team.
In addition to his passion for computers (playing computer games was one of his primary hobbies), Mike was known on sight at Home Depot. Mike dearly enjoyed doing projects and playing with his many woodworking tools, which he called "my toys." He loved "making sawdust." He was devoted to living well - a true believer in good food, fun toys, and making life on earth as close to heaven as possible. "It's a great life!" was his mantra.
Mike was a man of loving relationships. His generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to many. Mike had a gift to touch the heart. In his presence people felt wanted and loved.
Mike looked for and found the good in others, accepting everyone - it was all but impossible not to like him.
Among those who were blessed to share his life, Mike is survived by his wife Stephanie; grandmother Betty Rhodes; mother, Nancy; father, Gene and his wife, Carol; brother, Roger and his wife, Paula, nieces, Traci and Chelle; brother, Tim and his wife, Nadine, niece Sarah; sister, Jennifer; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, scores of family members by marriage, and friends as close as family who will all miss him greatly.
While Mike's family mourns their loss, we all are grateful for the years we had with him. Mike's life was shaped by his warmth, gentleness, and love of life even in the face of his illness.
A memorial service will be held at the Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Seattle at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 20. Please join the family in celebrating Mike's life.
In lieu of flowers, please give flowers to someone you love, give a gift to someone in need, or make a donation to the charity of your choosing.
An on-line Memorial Book is available. Go to: http://www.evergreen-washelIi.com and choose Scheduled Services and Obituaries, then choose Mike Jellison.