Dec. 18, 2014, we not only lost as good of a friend that anyone could ask for, but also a loving husband, father, brother, teacher and coach when Michael Roe unexpectedly passed in his sleep from a heart attack.

He was born in Seattle and grew up in Burien with his parents, Thomas and Catherine, and younger brother, Kevin.

Mike attended St. Bernadette Elementary School and was a member of the first four-year class to graduate from John F. Kennedy High School in 1972. He went on to Washington State University where he played club soccer, studied history and became a loyal Cougar fan.

He married his college sweetheart, Tanya, in 1977 and they set up their first household in a cozy, romantic beach cabin on Bainbridge Island’s Yeomalt Point. Little did they know that Bainbridge Island would be their home for the next 37 years.

Mike and Tanya appreciated each and every one of their precious years together as loving partners, best friends, and parents of their treasured son, Garrett.

Mike was a coach and teacher by nature and profession. He began his teaching career at Bainbridge Island High School in 1977.

At that time, soccer was a new sport for BHS and Mike was thrilled to be hired as the first girls’ coach in in 1978, and the first boys’ coach a year later, which he subsequently coached for nearly two decades. While coaching boys’ soccer he also took on an assistant football coach position that he held for 31 years. He felt privileged to have coached alongside four of his previous students.

In 1986 he earned a Master of Education degree with focus in library/media, and took a position as the librarian/learning resource specialist at BHS.

Mike expressed a strong appreciation for the Pacific Northwest and all that its natural beauty had to offer. No matter the weather, Mike enjoyed being outdoors for work or play, but took most pleasure when he was with family and friends. Mike was a role-model when it came to facing life’s necessities and challenges with a positive “can-do” outlook.

Through his father’s example he learned to enjoy getting a job done, be it driving spikes for Burlington Northern during college summers or later working on his home. But more than anything, Mike took joy in sharing his knowledge and work ethic with his son, Garrett, who loved working and learning alongside his dad. This was Mike’s foundation; to believe that he was doing exactly what he needed to be doing every day, whether in the classroom, on the football field, or with his family.

Mike’s genuine interest in others, patient gentle spirit, and quirky sense of humor allowed him to make connections with nearly everyone he met. Through his consistent positivity, sincerity, and generosity we are reminded again and again why we are grateful that Mike was in our lives. His family and friends will miss him for a lifetime.

In remembrance of Michael Roe, donations may be made to the Bainbridge Spartans Booster Club, Bainbridge Spartans Football Booster Club, Bainbridge Schools Foundation, Compass Housing Alliance, Helpline House, Treehouse for Kids.