| Graduation Year | Class of 1961 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 08, 2022 |
| About | Mike died on August 8, 2022, two days before his 79th birthday, due to complication from exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He was born in Seattle on August 10, 1943. He graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1961. He graduated from Central Washington University in 1965 in mathematics and business administration and went on to graduate school at Washington State University, Golden Gate University and American University in accounting, taxation, and investments. He is survived by his son, Kell, sister, Molly Dawson, and stepdaughters, Jeanette Smith and Paulette Forrest, 11 grandchildren and step grandchildren, and one step great-granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Leah, his twin brother, Patrick, his older brother, Terry, and his stepson, Brad Ronan. Mike served our country in Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with four Arrowhead Devices, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and two Overseas Bars. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest award that a combat unit can receive. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the DAV. Mike spent four years working in the orchards, six years as an accountant working in heavy road construction, six years with several CPA firms, and then opened his own CPA firm, which he operated until 2008, when he sold the firm and retired. He enjoyed working with all his clients and many became very close personal friends. He specialized in accounting for car dealers, contractors, rehabilitation centers, and junk yards. He was proud of the fact that two of his clients and seven of his clients' children became CPAs. After meeting Bill and Bob, Mike devoted a considerable amount of time assisting rehab facilities as their accountant, advisor, or as a board member. Mike loved all sports, but especially football, handball, weightlifting, and golf. At age 65 he started training for competitive lifting and accomplished a 405 lb. bench press and a 250 lb. one arm press. Agent Orange complication ended his very short career. He loved golf and accomplished two holes in one, the first a short par 3 and the second a short par 4. He loved playing on lush green fairways, but by his own admission spent most of his time in tall, gnarly weeds looking for his ball amongst the pine trees or cacti. He was an officer of Westwood Men's Club for several years, where he met many interesting characters that became friends. He was a much better spectator than athlete and attended as many high school football, basketball, and Legion baseball games as he could. He was involved for ten years in Little League Baseball as a coach, sponsor, or officer. Mike was car and cycle crazy. He always owned sports cars and motorcycles. He toured every state in the lower 48 on a Honda cycle after he was discharged from the service. After retiring, he volunteered for AARP Tax-Aide preparing tax returns for the elderly. He also volunteered as a tutor at Madison House for at-risk youth. At Mike's request, there will be no services. In honor of Mike, donations may be made payable to the Union Gospel Mission, or to one's favorite charity, and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936). Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. To send flowers to the family of Michael Moriarty, please visit Tribute Store. Published on August 28, 2022 |
