Longtime Fauntleroy leader Mike Dey has died

Fauntleroy has lost a longtime leader.

Just a few months after resigning as Fauntleroy Community Association president after 11 years, Mike Dey has unexpectedly died at age 74.

His wife Susan Lantz-Dey had been outdoors at their home Thursday night, then came indoors to make dinner, and found him unconscious. Seattle Fire medics responded but were unable to revive him.

This past January’s FCA meeting was Mr. Dey’s last one as president. As we reported in meeting coverage, he planned to stay on the board at least a year to help with the transition, but was hoping that handing over the reins would mean “new ideas can float to the top.”

In the subsequent edition of the FCA’s quarterly newsletter, editor Judy Pickens published this list of highlights from Mr. Dey’s years of leadership (while noting he would be first to point out that many others assisted):

*increased residential memberships from 121 to 224 and business memberships from 6 to 15.

*administered an annual FCA budget that more than doubled to $11,800.

*beautified the Endolyne business area with 23 planter boxes and maintained them.

*introduced crossing flags for pedestrian safety at 11 intersections in the neighborhood.

*opposed pickleball courts and an off-leash dog area in Lincoln Park.

*took positions on ferry-terminal replacement and pressed at city and state levels to be heard.

*examined and responded to numerous city proposals to increase building heights and density and decrease street and off-street parking for residents.

*took positions to enforce the city’s noise ordinance and retain funding for public safety.

*supported federal funding for repairing the West Seattle high bridge.

*introduced annual community egg and pumpkin hunts.

*pushed for converting Brace Point Dr. SW to one way and improving parking, adding a guard rail along Marine View Dr. SW, installing a wide-angle mirror for traffic safety at SW Roxbury and SW Marine View Dr., and adding traffic calming and pedestrian safety striping at problem locations.

*succeeded in getting the state to remove creosote logs and debris from Fauntleroy Cove.

*introduced automated FCA membership renewal and payment options.

A full obituary and word on memorial plans will be forthcoming.

19 Replies to "Longtime Fauntleroy leader Mike Dey has died"

  • ACG April 19, 2025 (2:49 pm)

    Oh no. What a terrible shock. Mike was a good man who worked hard to support the Fauntleroy neighborhood. Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. 

  • KayK April 19, 2025 (3:17 pm)

    Very sorry to hear of this loss- our condolences.

  • Sara April 19, 2025 (3:45 pm)

    Mike was one of a kind. This is so sudden, we were so shocked to hear. Such a loss for our community.  I am so sorry Susan. 

  • Lauri Cunningham April 19, 2025 (4:44 pm)

    Susan, I am so sorry for your loss.  Both of you have done many things for the Fauntleroy Community.  When Mike told me when I saw him at the schoolhouse that he was stepping down from the FCA but not stepping away, I was glad he wasn’t stepping away.  He will be missed by many.  Thank you for everything you and Mike have done over the years. I think you have been involved in the community longer than I have been at Fauntleroy Children’s Center/ Fauntleroy School House ( 42 years for me).

  • Deb April 19, 2025 (5:18 pm)

    Oh God no. Not Mike. He was the picture of health last Sunday (after weeks in Australia) when we chatted with them on the bus to the Mariners game. I am so very sorry for your loss Susan. Rest in Peace Mike. Your steady kind soul will be greatly missed. 

  • Ts April 19, 2025 (5:20 pm)

    So sorry !! I met Mike once, he was so very nice!

  • Dennis Hinton April 19, 2025 (6:08 pm)

    What a loss! And so sudden! Mike was a big-time supporter of all things on Fauntleroy Creek and a friend. So sorry, Susan.

  • tomdist April 19, 2025 (6:11 pm)

    Mike was a good customer of ours at the wine shop and we always enjoyed seeing him and talking with him. He was so good-natured, gentle, and kind. Through the blog we learned of his tremendous leadership in the Fauntleroy community. My condolences to Susan and his family.

  • dhgaut April 19, 2025 (6:30 pm)

    We admired Mike for all the good he’s done at the helm of the Fauntleroy Community Association and will miss him greatly.        

  • Sara Dawson April 19, 2025 (9:49 pm)

    Rest in peace Mike dey. You were a pillar in the Fauntleroy community and it is shocking to know how such a visibly Healthy Man suddenly died at such an early age. We will really miss you Mike and condolences to Susan. Will be curious to get an update from the WSB on the cause of death.

  • Treo Salon April 20, 2025 (8:00 am)

    I am deeply saddened by this news. Mike was a client and a huge supporter of the salon. He was genuinely one of the kindest men with the warmest smile . He made this neighborhood so special. We will miss him dearly. Fauntleroy will never be the same. Sending you so much love and strength Susan. ❤️

  • AH April 20, 2025 (11:56 am)

    I am deeply saddened about Mike’s sudden death.  I just met Mike and Susan within the last year. Mike was very kind and warm and I was looking forward to getting to know them better through FCA and building healthy neighborhoods. I sensed there would be lots of to learn and wisdom to gain from him.  Sending out supportive thoughts to Susan. May she have all the support she needs during this time of grief.

  • Jack miller April 20, 2025 (6:41 pm)

    Ever since Mike and Susan came back to West Seattle and nestled into Fauntleroy , they have weaved themselves into all our lives. Susan grew up just on the other side of the dock  where her cousin Frank Immel who is also my cousin now lives  They have been a Huge part of the Immel and Miller family’s and have become family to all of Fauntleroy just as Ruth and Ware Lantz were before them .Mike has become an important voice in the community and a good friend to all lucky enuf to know him.   His Sage advice ,quick wit and genuine nature will be sorely missed . Out wounded hearts go out to Susan.   We all have lost a great man and a true friend 😞

  • Mimi Miles April 20, 2025 (10:32 pm)

    Mike and Susan lived an amazing life together full of beauty generosity and adventure. I will miss Mike’s kind eyes and welcoming smile. My heart breaks for his family, friends, and especially Susan. We are all not ready to say goodbye 

  • Cathy Immel April 21, 2025 (12:24 pm)

    Mike and Susan were an amazing couple living life to the fullest. Mike’s gentle, welcoming smile and generous, giving spirit will truly be missed. My heart breaks for all those that knew and loved him but especially for Susan. We have truly lost a great human being and a good friend to so many. 

  • Donna, The Whale Trail April 21, 2025 (1:59 pm)

    So very sorry to hear this sad news. Mike was as generous as he was kind, a thoughtful and principled leader. His impact will be felt in this community for a long, long time. Deepest condolences to Susan and his family.

  • Mike Fudge April 21, 2025 (8:14 pm)

    I am so saddened by this news!  Mike was a mentor and loved father figure to me for all of the years I have known him!  He was and still is an inspiration to me!  He makes me want to be a better person!  I loved him so much!  He care more about other people than he did himself!  He has been such an inspiration to all of my children!  I will miss him more than I can say!  So sorry for Susan!  We love Susan so much!  And will do anything for her!   

  • Don Anderson April 21, 2025 (8:17 pm)

    Susan, my Susan and I send are deepest sympathy. I know little about the life you and Mike made together since our days together at YMCA Camp Orkila. But I bet it was a great one! I could have never gotten the camp up and running in 1970 if it were not for Mike and a few other smart and giving young men.  We pray for your strength and healing at this difficult time. With warmest aloha, Don Anderson

  • Charlotte Starck April 25, 2025 (12:48 pm)

    Mike was an inspiring mentor as a neighborhood leader and one of the first people I reached out to for tips when I volunteered for Alki Community Council president. Mike was leading a robust team doing great things for the community and set the bar. He was always quick to answer a call, connect me and organize a meeting between leaders in our organizations. I’m so deeply saddened. Even after he recently retired out of his President role, I asked if we could continue to pick his brain. Of course he said yes. I am just grateful I had the opportunity to thank him for his support for us in Alki just weeks before his passing. We are hugely grateful. To Susan, and your entire community, our deepest condolences. 

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