Mike grew up in Lawrenceville, Illinois and was active in both academic and sports endeavors. A three-sport varsity athlete, he was eventually inducted into the Lawrenceville High School Sports Hall-of-Fame.

He attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member of their baseball team. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, he was commissioned in the United States Navy in 1962, beginning what would be a distinguished career in the submarine force in which he served upon six nuclear-powered submarines.

He was assigned and excelled as Commanding Officer twice, first on the USS GEORGE C. MARSHALL (SSBN 654 GOLD). Five years later, he was selected as the commissioning Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729 GOLD), which he guided through the Panama Canal to its first homeport in Bangor, Washington. He concluded a challenging and exciting 30-year career with his dream job, Commander of Submarine Squadron SEVENTEEN in Bangor, and then finally as Chief-of-Staff for the Navy’s Northwest Regional Command, Commander Naval Base Seattle.

Mike retired with the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy in 1991 and embarked upon a second career with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, overseeing research in submarine security as Program Area Manager. He transitioned in 1998 to his final position as a submarine security consultant for Commander Submarine Group Nine, fully retiring in 2014.

Professionally, Mike was revered by those who served under and were mentored by him. He was the consummate leader and admired by all who served alongside him. Personally, he was known as a kind, humble, selfless man, always there to lend a helping hand.

As President of the Pacific Northwest Submarine Heritage Association, Mike was instrumental in the funding for and eventual construction of Deterrent Park. His many passions involved myriad family activities, coaching, skiing, tennis, traveling, cruising and fishing.

Mike is survived by his little sister, Janette (Ben) Forsyth of Great Falls, Montana as well as two sons Rod and Ric. Rod (Maria), Bremerton, Washington (Granddaughters Meghan Gray Pesely, Kim Gray Anderson, Becca Gray, Jennifer Gray and great-grandchildren Loretta Pesely, Jonathan Pesely, Benedict Pesely, Thomas Pesely, Adelaide Anderson, Felicity Anderson, Theodore Anderson, and Raymund Anderson. Ric (Ruth), Ocean Shores, Washington (Granddaughter Jessica Gray, Grandson Paul Gray, Step-grandsons Eric and Wes Barkley and great grandson Michael Gray).

Mike qualified in submarines on the USS John Adams (SSBN-620) in 1965 and was a CAPT when he left the Navy.

He was a member of Bremerton Base of USSVI.

SAILOR REST YOUR OARS