Obituary of Michael John Lynch

Our hearts are heavy and saddened to share the news of the death of our beloved husband, father, brother and friend, Michael John Lynch.  Michael passed peacefully into the loving hands of God on the evening of March 30, 2019 at home in Lacey, Wash.  Born on October 3, 1939 in Winchester, Massachusetts, he was the oldest son of Rita and John Lynch, and became big brother to Dennis, Jane, Andrew and Peter.   

Michael grew up in New Hampshire and the Braintree/Quincy suburbs of Boston.  He attended Archbishop Williams High School, Brandeis University, earned his Bachelor’s degree at California State University, Los Angeles, and an MBA from Claremont College in California. 

Michael shared his life as husband to Barbara and Nancy, who preceded him in death, and Teresa, his loving wife who survived him. He enjoyed being called Dad, Daddy, Papa, Da, Grandpa, Granddad and Great Grampa and Uncle by three daughters, two sons, one granddaughter, six grandsons, one great granddaughter, and wonderful nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. 

He lived his faith in action, sharing in prison ministry, and daily prayer; it was the source of strength and hope. He loved catching the smile of a child, sharing music, wine and laughter at home or on his many travels. He loved being with family, but was known to relish each interaction of commerce or daily life.  A man of style and substance, he was a snappy dresser, known to don a bowler or cap, but wore many hats – both literal and figurative.  He was an airline gate agent, high school coach and teacher, pharmaceutical salesman, incentive marketer. His gift of words garnered from a love of reading and long chats, he was known to pen long letters and share his insights.  As words began to fail him, he shared his love through the nod of his head, the squeeze of his big hands. Michael relished just being with people.   His imprint on our hearts remains.

A Mass in his memory will be held Friday, April 5, 2019, 12:00 p.m. at St. Leo Catholic Church, 710 S. 13th St., Tacoma, WA 98405.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Michael’s memory by making a contribution to one of these supportive organizations that assisted in to providing compassionate care to Michael and the community he supported with his own acts of faith and effort.

Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice or Providence Ministry – No One Dies Alone

https://washington.providence.org/donate/st-peter-foundation

The Benedictine Community of St. Placid Priory

https://www.stplacid.org/donateform.html

St. Leo’s Community Ministries:  Food Connection, L’Honey, Emergency Services

https://gp.vancopayments.com/gpo/#/donateNow/931cc61b-5754-4ca9-8470-6cc215a