Michael Dean Mumaw died at Skagit Valley Hospital, Mount Vernon, on Jan. 16, 2011, at the age of 62. He was born Jan. 11, 1949, in Vincennes, Ind., to Dean and Virginia Mumaw. At the age of eight, Mike moved with his parents to Tucson, Ariz. He graduated from Tombstone High School and went on to the General Motors Training School in El Paso, Texas, where he received certification as an auto mechanic.
Mike moved to Washington working on the first 747 Assembly Team in Renton. He returned to Arizona where he worked as a mechanic, first in town and then at Fort Huachuca for Civil Service. He was also a founding member, EMT, and first chief of the Whetstone Volunteer Fire District. He was the first in the district to train women and teenagers in firefighting. Mike was offered a position at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station at AIMD. He worked part time for Westgate R. V. Sales as a mechanic. He also served as a volunteer for Island County Fire District 2. He later found his dream job as a firefighter at NAS Whidbey.
Mike worked as a pool operator at the John Vanderzicht Swimming Pool for several years. Due to health issues, Mike was forced to leave both NAS and the pool. Later, he found work as a security officer at the Anacortes refinery.
Mike served on the Lions Car Show committee and also was a part of the Whidbey Island Mustang Car Club. Mike’s favorite coffee klatch was at Jason’s Restaurant, in the corner booth. He attended the Citipoint Church, Mount Vernon.
Mike is survived by his wife Carey, son Ben and daughter Abigail, all of Oak Harbor.
Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Wallin Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Hubbard of Citipoint Church officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow. Donations may be made to the Michael Mumaw Memorial Fund, Account 1579790, C/O Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Oak Harbor, 98277.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.
