Michael E Whiton

Born June 30, 1944, in Sacramento to Edmund Garcia and Jean Overman, Michael then accompanied his mom and her new husband, Pete Whiton, to Wilton, CT. Michael’s early loves were horses and motorcycles and a passion for music, which sustained him throughout his life. He had a talent for music himself and could pick up any instrument. As a young dad, he enjoyed taking his kids camping and on forest hikes, and he was loved for his playful side and habit of making up silly songs. He also loved quiet retreats, fishing on his boats, and scuba diving alone at night. Michael pursued many interests throughout life, working as a bicycle repairman, studio photographer, picture framer, welder, art gallery owner, and truck driver. He also worked as a recording engineer in the 1970s and made albums with Bill Crofut, Don Imus, and Bach organist, Anthony Newman. He assembled computer boards for DLI on Bainbridge before retiring to focus on health issues with family on the East Coast. After returning to Bainbridge, Michael’s final years were spent enjoying his hobbies as much as his health allowed; taking nature photographs, watching old westerns from his youth and Animal Planet, sending music clips and photos to family, and sometimes keeping neighbors awake in the middle of the night with his record collection. The last recording he enjoyed was of his mother Jean, a professional flutist, playing a Mozart concerto. Michael was a kind soul who connected with everyone he came across, striking up personal conversations with shop clerks and nurses. Animals loved him. He is survived by children Jason, Daniel, and Kevin, siblings Paul, Lindy, Geoff, and Margie, and former spouses Elizabeth and Gabrielle.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA