Memorial planned April 1st for Michael J. Wallace, 1957-2023

Family and friends will gather April 1st to remember Mike Wallace, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Michael “Mike” John Wallace was a true and proud West Seattleite until his final day on February 26, 2023. He passed unexpectedly at the age of 65 in West Seattle.

Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who is survived by his bride, Shari Lynn who he cherished as “the luckiest girl in the world.” He was a proud father of Christopher (Taryn) Wallace and Michelle (Alden) McCormick. He was the most vibrant Grandpa to his five grandchildren: Scarlett, Junior, Aidan, Evelynn, Sloane, and excited for Michelle & Alden’s newest addition due this October. They will forever remember making noise and trouble with Grandpa Mike.

Mike is preceded in death by his sister, Kathi Norberg, and his parents, Hugh & Betty Wallace who raised him and his seven brothers and sisters in a loving home along 35th Avenue full of childhood memories. Mike is also survived by his siblings; Pat (Sheri) Wallace, Barbara Roumonada, Patty Valentine, Linda Byrne, Sue Ericson, and Terry Wallace.

Mike made a notable and memorable impact during his 45 years at Avis where he built a career that he treasured. He never started a day without a cup of Starbucks coffee. He was always donned in his Avis swag, cruising the lots in his red Nike Air Forces. Mike was a magnet who brought people together through music and laughter. On the weekends, he took to the stage drumming with his band, The VanHolt’s. When he didn’t have a gig, he and Shari would spend their time at their property and “happy place” in Desert Aire. If you knew Mike, you fell victim to his famous pop-bys, random calls and saw a brief appearance at every event, but he made sure it never lasted too long as he would leave with a classic Irish Goodbye.

Michael John Wallace’s contagious smile, drum solos, and unforgettable charismatic spirit will be missed and remembered by all.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 2-5 pm at the Seattle Lutheran High School Gymnasium. All who want to share in Mike’s memory are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a local Hope School students fundraiser that benefits Music4Life, a non profit dedicated to getting musical instruments into the hands of kids. Follow this link to donate to Dominic’s GoFundMe page.

To share your condolences and memories of Mike, visit:
emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Michael-Wallace

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

2 Replies to "Memorial planned April 1st for Michael J. Wallace, 1957-2023"

  • Concerned Neighbor March 23, 2023 (10:31 am)

    I’m sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.  I grew up in the neighborhood with him and his siblings, and went to high school with several of them.  Remember his father as “The Tomato King”.  We all had such fun childhoods in that neighborhood.  Peace to Mike, and healing to his family.

  • M. March 23, 2023 (10:37 am)

    I went to school with Chris and Michelle. Warm thoughts sent their way. 

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