Obituary of Hugh M. Vandiver

Hugh Michael Vandiver, know by many as 'Chief Vandiver' of the Tumwater Police Department, passed away at home on December 9, 2008. Hugh Michael Vandiver “Mike”. A determined and seemingly tireless fighter, Mike passed away in his Olympia home from leukemia on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 9:17pm. Mike was born in St. James, Missouri on June 21, 1944. He graduated from Escondido High school and earned a BA in Criminal Justice in 1975 and an MA in Public Administration in 1977 at San Diego State University. Before dedicating his life to police work he served 3 years in the United States Army. Mike was a dedicated police officer for more than 40 years. Beginning his career in San Diego, he rose quickly through the ranks, moving on to take a position as Chief of Police in Pasco, Washington at the age of 34. In 1983 Mike became Chief of the Tumwater Police Department. Mike always strove for excellence and in his 23 years as chief he transformed the department into one that reflects that standard, when he retired in 2005 he was succeeded by longtime co-worker and friend Chief John Stines. A well respected professional, Mike will be remembered for his sense of humor, his fair treatment of friends & colleagues, his passion for knowledge, and his confidence in and support of the abilities of those around him. Those very attributes are what brought joy to those who knew him in his personal life as well. Mike always enjoyed pursuit of his various interests, almost as much as the interest itself. In his life he sailed, scuba dived, learned airbrush painting, was a gun enthusiast and collector, travelled to Mexico as part of a language immersion program, owned motorcycles, volunteered his time in a variety of ways, travelled abroad with his wife, enjoyed amateur photography and realized a much talked about and over the years bemoaned dream of owning a Victory red Corvette – which quickly became the most detailed and pristine car in the neighborhood. Mike is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathi; daughter Wendy (Seattle, WA); son Jeff; daughter-in-law Jamie; and two grandsons, Joshua and James (Anchorage, AK). The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3 at 2pm at the Mountain View church of the Nazarene, 940 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 (360-352-5819). Memorial donations can be made to the Tumwater Police Guild Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 15052, Tumwater, WA 98511. The Vandiver family wishes to wait until after the holidays to honor Mike at a Memorial Service. Please feel free to leave memories and condolences for the family by clicking on 'View Guestbook' below.