Obituary of William Michael Tracy

William Michael “Mike” Tracy was born in Seattle General to William U. and Jean E. Tracy on January 13, 1944.  After health complications, he passed to look into the face of his Redeemer on March 28, 2019. A fifth generation Washingtonian, Mike had enormous pride in his Pacific Northwest heritage. He was a Seattle “Beacon Hill boy” and maintained many appreciated relationships from that time in his life.  Mike attended Franklin High School (’62), enjoying football, track and javelin, holding track records in Seattle.

Mike was a hard worker because of his humble beginnings. He began work by resetting bowling pins before automation at the local bowling alley, then shoveling chicken shit at the local chicken plant. Mike’s long-term relationship with the power industry began as a meter reader and substation attendant for Seattle City Light. He also did summer work on the Northern Pacific Railroad.  During this time, Mike studied for his business degree at the University of Washington.  He married his first wife, Shelley Tucker (deceased, Seattle).  During this time, Mike worked for Puget Power as the Manager of the Kent Substation.

After Mike worked on his Master’s Degree in Business from Seattle University, he became a lobbyist for Puget Power in the Washington State Legislature as Director of Government Relations for Puget Power. Mike loved his political work there and made many wonderful long-term friendships that he valued and respected.  Mike married his wife, Susie Tracy, also a lobbyist in Olympia.

Michael was the consummate family man and so much loved and enjoyed his wife; daughter, Laura Tracy Butler (Zack) of Rochester; and two step daughters, Heather Hawk (Ryan) of Ashland, Oregon, and Jennifer Fruehauf (Brad) of Bonney Lake, Washington. He would have done anything for his family, a strong value imparted by a long line of committed and loyal Tracy/Uder men.

After retirement, Mike was always up for political debate.  Mike found intense interests in politics, reading, painting and drawing, and in family history, always keeping his mind inquiring, active, and learning.  He continued to enjoy friendships based on previous interest in hunting, fishing and golf.  Mike continued to maintain friendships and develop new ones throughout his life.  A wonderful combination of intellect and sensitivity, everyone who knew Mike well were also impressed by his friendship, loyalty, generosity, and thoughtfulness.

Mike is survived by his wife, Susie; his daughter, Laura; his two step daughters, Heather and Jennifer; grandchildren, Oscar and Acacia Hawk and Claire and Carson Freuhauf; and his new grandson, Bo W.M. Butler; his sisters, Marilyn Jean Doman (Seattle) and Eileen Tracy Anderson (Tacoma).  Also remaining are nieces, Megan Doman Howard (Seattle), Layne Tracy Doman (Seattle), Elizabeth Tracy Anderson (Tacoma), Brooke Tracy Anderson (Tacoma); great nieces, Camryn and Quinn Howard; as well as his beloved cousins, David Tracy and family (California).

A celebration of life is scheduled for May 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Olympia Country and Golf Club, 3636 Country Club Drive NW, Olympia. WA 98502.