John Michael Summers March 16, 1954 - February 19, 2012

John Michael Summers, known as Mike to his family, was born on March 16, 1954, in Moses Lake, Washington. At 9 lb 12 oz, Mike was fair skinned, with white-blond hair and big blue eyes. He joined his big brother, Tom, and big sister, Diana. They were considered the big kids and Mike was the oldest of "the little boys," as three more brothers, Ken, Wes and Matt, joined him soon after.

Mike was very musical, singing in high school and college choirs, playing his trombone and traveling to Europe with a youth choir. He took part in wrestling in high school, and in his senior year won district for his school, Yamhill-Carlton High School. He competed at the college level until an injury sidelined him.

Mike was not only musical, but also gifted as a mechanic.

It seems he could fix almost anything.

On a short-term mission to Guatemala during his college years, the school van broke down out in the boonies.

Mike used a tuna fish can to repair a universal joint.

On a later trip, he repaired a worn-out main bearing with a piece of leather from a passenger's belt.

It was good enough to get them to the next town.

After attending Northwest Nazarene College, Mike worked as a machinist and mechanic on ships in Alaska.

He eventually returned to the Northwest and developed his own company in the hardwood flooring industry, a family trade he had learned from his father while still in his teens.

Mike spent the next 20 years in this field.

He later worked for other hardwood product manufacturers, traveling all over the U.S. teaching in hardwood floor schools and clinics.

A few years ago, his love for welding and fabrication led him back to working as port engineer for a Seattle-based tug and barge company most recently.

Above all else, Mike loved to share his Christian faith with others. His job was simply what he did to pay bills. His calling and joy was to share Christ with all who would listen. He mentored many men into a place of maturity in Christ. He literally has thousands of followers who read his weekly blogs concerning personal faith, patriotism and commitment to turning our country back to its godly heritage. Just two weeks ago, he led his boss' son to enter into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mike is survived by the great love of his life, his wife, Sandy; five children, Erica, Jill, Davey, Mickey and Trever; five grandchildren; both parents, Bob and Myrna Summers; one sister, Diana Turner; four brothers, Tom, Ken, Wes and Matt; and dozens of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Many other dear friends are considered to be family; the Summers family knows no strangers.

Mike's legacy will live on for many years to come.

A memorial service was held in his honor February 25, 2012 at the Church on the Hill in McMinnville, Oregon.

Gifts may be made to the Mike Summers Memorial Fund at First Federal Banks.