Earl M. Mickelson, a West Seattle native and lifelong resident, has died at age 89. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Earl passed away at home at the age of 89 on July 31st. He would have turned 90 in September.

Earl was born to Christian and Martha Mickelson, both descendants of Norway, at West Seattle hospital. Earl spent his entire life in West Seattle; he was a graduate of West Seattle High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. He served for 27 years as a Seattle Department firefighter, retiring in 1974. Earl was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He loved West Seattle and, after retirement, boasted about having no reason to cross the West Seattle Bridge.

Earl enjoyed time spent with his family and his many neighbors that he grew so fond of. For many years he was the neighborhood Block Watch captain. He took pride in his work overseeing the neighborhood and actually kicked a neighbor’s door down to save the life of a woman who collapsed and was trapped in her home.

Earl was very generous in donating to many charities over the years. He was the elder statesman for both the West Seattle Yacht Club and West Seattle Eagles. He was a longtime member of the American Legion. Earl is survived by his lovely wife of 65 years, Sylvia, whom he met on Alki Beach; his three children, Susan Scott (Daniel), Chris Mickelson (Kimberly), Bart Mickelson, and his four grandchildren, Shawna Clark (Steve), Christiana (George), Trine and Tristen Mickelson. Earl is survived by sister-in-law Beverly Alger and many nieces and nephews. His brothers and their spouses Kris (Janet) and Kenny (Marian) Mickelson are deceased. He was looking forward to his first great-grandchild, expected in February.

Earl’s feistiness and humor continued to the end and he will be missed by all his family and friends. He was always very macho and gruff but deep down he could be very compassionate and kind. He is remembered to many as a wonderful father, grandpa, father-in-law, firefighter, neighbor, husband, and friend. We want to thank his family and many caretakers over the past years and especially Mary Ikua (who referred to Earl as the commander), Maureen, and Susan (his most recent caregivers) and his neighbors, along with Station 29 of the Seattle Fire Department, for all their service over the years.

A celebration of life is planned at a later date. Services will be private. Memorials may be sent to the Medic One Foundation.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)