Mike Kosmas' Obituary
Mike Kosmas, age 94, of St. Helens, Oregon passed away on April 23, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1930, in Walsenburg, Colorado to his parents Gus and Mary Kosmas. He was born and raised in the Greek Orthodox faith.
Mike joined the United States Navy at 16 years old and finished his high school education there. He worked as a plane captain and propellor specialist. He fought in the Korean War and the end of World War II. Twice did he experience his plane going down, both times over water. Luckily, the first time was close to shore, and everyone was able to swim back. The second time, he was the only survivor—the man that couldn’t swim—thanks to his Mae West (life vest) and shark repellent. He left the service, receiving the Naval Air Medal and Korean Ribbon.
After his time in the navy, Mike was briefly a police officer. He owned several bars throughout the Portland area, which he did for 35 years. His first bar was off 3rd Avenue in downtown Portland called “Little Mike’s”. He owned the first country western bar on the Northwest side of the state, called “Mike’s Green Meadows”. Due to his time as a police officer, he made sure to keep his bars safe and drug-free, therefore he served a lot of judges, police officers, and lawyers.
Mike married the love of his life, Kathleen on March 26, 1988, following ten years together. Mike was a commissioner at Wolf Creek Water District in Beaverton. He ran for the Washington County commissioner position but lost by 100 votes (which he was honestly relieved about). Mike loved all animals, especially horses, which led him to both raising and training racehorses for 25 years. You could always find Mike in the garden eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathleen; son Michael Mosco; grandson Michael Hansen; nephew Tom (Karen) Kosmas; stepson David (Karen) Hoodman; stepdaughters Nancy Hoodman and Jennifer (Samir) Benaggoun; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Ellen Kosmas, Katherine (Nina) Kosmas, George Kosmas, and Larry and sister-in-law Joan Kosmas; nephews Anthony Kosmas, Michael Farris, Phillip Kosmas; and niece, Lori Rix.
He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Joan Kosmas; nephew Anthony Kosmas; and niece, Lori Rix.
Mike's laugh and his ever-present Greek hat will be missed by his family and his friends.
A private memorial service will be held for his family.
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