Michael Kevin Hobbs

August 22, 2021

Michael Kevin Hobbs of West Seattle, lost his fight for life on Sunday, August 22, 2021 after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. He was 66 years of age.

It is said that if you love your job, then you never have to work. If that is so, then Michael never worked a day in his life.

One could say that Michael was destined to work in the field of pathology. As a boy, he created a laboratory in his parents basement, complete with experiments and dissections. To him, understanding the anatomy of his fathers hunt was more interesting than the number of points.

Michael's love of the natural sciences led him to Central Washington University's zoology program. While looking for work to pay for expenses, he stumbled upon an opportunity to volunteer at the King County Medical Examiner's office. This is where he discovered his calling.

Michael's nearly forty years of career included over thirty years as the Clinical Autopsy Coordinator at Harborview Medical Center. He worked with research institutions around the country, and teamed up with pathologists to work with coroners' offices around the state.

He became the "go to guy" that many funeral homes called when their clients wanted answers to why their loved one had passed. His compassionate and honest interactions with families was remarkable. Michael's expertise was highly respected, and he loved to share his knowledge.

A passion for science and his love of family was the core of Michael Hobbs. His Man Cave is proof of that, filled with teaching specimens, collections of oddities, and things of nature. He shared this passion with his children, showing them how to hold a garden snake before they could walk, and lead a class trip performing a necropsy on a horse at a friend's farm. The children were captivated.

He loved camping and referred to the camper as The Shuttle Pod, complete with NASA stickers. Every outing brought home a new specimen.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Erin, daughters Shaylyn and Brielyn, and siblings Mark, Scott, Cameron, and Wendy.

Mike's Celebration of life will be held Monday, September 20th @ 4 O'clock at Chateau Lill 14208 Woodinville - Redmond Rd NE, Redmond, WA 9805