Michael Edward Roe

passed away quietly in his sleep on December 18th, 2014, at the age of 61, due to an unexpected heart attack.Mike's passing has taken his family and friends by surprise and has caused sadness in the hearts of many within his community. Mike was born November 9th, 1953, in Seattle and grew up in Burien, WA with his parents, Bud (Thomas) and Katie (Catherine), and younger brother, Kevin. He learned from his parents as they devoted their time and love to instill family values and a strong foundation of Christian faith through the Catholic religion.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. It was there that his appreciation of school sports began while participating in their soccer and football programs. Mike went on to Washington State University where he played club soccer, studied history, and became a loyal Cougar fan. During his junior year at WSU, he met the love of his life, Tanya. They married in 1977 and 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. Mike had a love for reading and learning, and a memory like a trap for statistics. 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 and the homes of others. But more than anything, Mike loved to share his knowledge and work ethic with his son, Garrett, who loved working alongside his dad. After a challenging task, you would often hear Mike say, "Now, don't you feel good about yourself?" He shared so many stories that began and ended with enjoying everything he did. 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.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the memorial service is on Saturday, December 27 at 2:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island Washington. A reception will follow. In Mike's memory, donations may be made to the Bainbridge Boosters, Bainbridge Football Boosters, Compass Housing Alliance, Helpline House, Treehouse for Kids. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.