Obituary of Mike Flinkfelt

Hugh M. "Mike" Flinkfelt was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 9, 1930 to Francis and Margaret Flinkfelt. After a valiant three month struggle against lung cancer he died on August 9, 2006 surrounded by the comfort of 15 family members and long time friends. He leaves his wife, Jackie LaFrance; sons, William (Collette) and Michael; daughter, Patricia; stepson, Will (Hannele) LaFrance; stepdaughter, Marlene (Rick) Higgins; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mike ran away to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at age 13 and took care of elephants and other animals. Later he worked on tug boats on the East coast. In 1945 he lied about his age and joined the Army and was in Air and Sea Rescue. In 1948 he joined the Air Force where he retired in 1971 as Chief Master Sergeant. In 1951 he married Patricia, the mother of his children. Pat died of cancer in 1977. In 1980 he married Jackie LaFrance. After retiring he lived in Tacoma, Seattle, Gig Harbor, and in 1992 he and Jackie moved to Olympia. He worked as a dock master for the Parks Department. He later quit this job to volunteer as a ranger, working with the public on outdoor burning issues for Lacey Fire District #8. He volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxilliary of Olympia and Seattle, Senior Services for South Sound in many capacities, Puget Sound Blood Bank, Friends of the Lacey Library, he delivered "Meals on Wheels", and was a volunteer "EMT" for Madigan hospital, Wrinkles of Washington, Jupiter Troup, where he entertained by singing at various nursing homes, assisted living, anniversaries, and other events. His very favorite thing to do was play Santa Clause for the Lacey Fire District, St. Peter Fantasy Forest, TCTV Call in Santa, many Christmas parties, nursing and assisted living homes, and other community events. He was a member of the Queen City Yacht Club, Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, and the International Organization of Real Bearded Gentlemen Dedicated to the Joy of Being Santa. Mike and Jackie enjoyed traveling to Great Britain, several countries in Europe, Australia, East Coast America, plus many trips with Discovery Tours to local and not too far distant events such as plays, musicals, museums, casinos, and fun community events in the Northwest. They took two wonderful 14 day tours across several states to Branson, Missouri. The next year they went on an inland tour to Alaska. They also enjoyed their home on 2 1/2 acres in rural Thurston County. Many thanks and much appreciation to wonderful friends and family for their unwavering support the past three months. Also to Western Washington Oncology and Providence St. Peter Hospital for their care and compassion. Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 5208, Lacey, WA 98509. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's name may be sent to Concern for Animals or Senior Services for South Sound. Please leave memories and condolences for his family by clicking on View Guestbook below