Michael John Morrisey's Obituary
Michael John Morrisey September 25, 1942 ~ July 14, 2017
Captain Mike boldly went where no man has gone before: over sandbars, into pilings, always with a smile on his face and chuckle in his heart…
Michael John Morrisey, age 74, from St. Helens, Oregon passed away at home on July 14, 2017 after a valiant fight to recover from surgery.
Mike was born in Medford, Oregon on September 25, 1942 to John Phillip and Patricia May Morrisey. He enjoyed a quintessential 1950s childhood playing with his younger brother Jim, camping, fishing, and participating in Boy Scout activities with his father. Mike worked at the local Safeway Grocery Store while he attended Medford High School. After graduation, he went to Oregon State University to study architecture.
In 1961, Mike married Cheryl Diana Vessey at First Presbyterian Church in Klamath Falls, Oregon. They began their family while Mike fostered a career in the grocery business, managing Safeway stores in Grants Pass, Medford, Albany, and eventually settling in Clatskanie, Oregon. Mike and Cheryl raised four children in their 56-year marriage. They were life partners who at a young age dreamed big, set lofty goals and through perseverance and a bit of luck, fulfilled them. They enjoyed waterskiing at Lake Shasta, traveling to Maui, and always being present for their kids’ sports and school activities. Mike was a loyal friend, a supportive employer and had a wicked sense of humor.
An astute business man and entrepreneur, Mike branched out on his own to open Girard’s Grocery in Kelso, Washington in the early 1970s. As business grew, he expanded to open and operate three local stores: Westmart in Westport, Oregon, Knappa Market, and Seaside Stop and Go. In his 40-plus years in the business, Mike led by example, worked hard and tirelessly, and created a legacy that inspired others to follow in his footsteps. Mike retired in 2015 after selling Westmart, which he built with his family from the ground up.
In his time off, Mike enjoyed sailing, gardening, and gathering with his family in his home overlooking the Columbia River. He was a sweet and gentle man, had good insights into people and business, and was a good provider. No one could make a better burger on the barbeque or make more delicious caramel corn than Mike! When he wasn’t at home or sailing, Mike could be found gardening, working on his sailboat, Enchantress, or taking an ice cream break at the marina store.
Mike is survived by his wife Cheryl; son, Tod; daughters Chantel, Kim, and Nicole; sons-in-law Bob and Herb; daughter-in-law Michelle; and grandchildren Nicholas, Liliana, and Kyrah.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Mike in an open house format from 1 pm to 4 pm on August, 19, 2017 at Mike and Cheryl’s home in St. Helens.
Memorial donations may be made in Mike’s name to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
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