In Memory of Mike Hampton:

I had the fortune of knowing and working with Mike since 1997. Most of those years Mike was either my direct boss or my boss once removed.

I worked most closely with Mike during his last couple years at PeaceHealth when he was the Rehab Service Director and I was the Outpatient Manager in the office next door, and I got to spend a lot of 1 to 1 time with him. He was a GREAT boss and an even BETTER man.

As a boss, he was very astute, very fair-minded, and was able to sincerely take into account all sides of a problem. But he was also DECISIVE. He did not waffle; not a lot of second guessing or “handwringing”. He would make a decision, make steps or delegate to get the plan in place and move onto the NEXT issue. I really appreciate that about Mike, as I frequently struggled with being decisive. He was an excellent role model.

Mike was really a confident guy and he would share with me his strong PERSPECTIVES on leadership and life. It was very clear that he most prioritized relationships - especially with his family and his friends. A lot of other things may seem terribly important in-the-moment, but ultimately it was those close relationships that mattered the most. It was good advice. And he lived his life accordingly.

As noted, I appreciated his “Boss characteristics” of Perspective and Decisiveness but what I most LIKED above Mike was:

- Mike was kind and understanding.

- Mike had a great sense of humor and he liked to laugh. He also greatly appreciated the humor in others.

- I could talk Mariner baseball with Mike. He was good to be around.

Mike was a great boss and an even better man.

I feel indebted and grateful for my time with him.

Lon Swan

Mike… a wonderful co-worker and friend at the VA and an incredible example of love and fortitude as he faced the biggest challenge of his life.

Listening to Mike share VA stories, seeing his smile, hearing his laugh, and feeling his abounding love for his family is a treasured memory from last year. Mighty grateful for the cherished time of reconnecting after so many years.

Though Lee and I will not be in person at the celebration, we are celebrating with you. 

Beth, Davis and Finn:

One week from today, you will celebrate the life of Mike. Your husband, father, confidant, partner in crime, adventure seeking, hand holding person of strength and courage.  I hope you will hear many stories that you have never heard before about interactions Mike had with so many people. Our hearts will be with you next Saturday as you pass through another part of your grieving process by sharing Mike with others whose lives he touched. Sending our love from Michigan.

Bill and Vicki Hall, Nancy Heller, Susan Piehl and Carol Knudsen

Words for Mike

Losing a dear friend is like losing part of your own soul, our family were very lucky to have shared 3 years with Mike, Elizabeth, Davis and Finn, whilst living in Bellingham. They opened up their lives and hearts and invited us in. We spent time together skiing, celebrating birthdays and other special occasions like Super bowl, July 4th, BBQ’s and who could forget the dance parties, what a hoot!

Mike had this powerful presence, he lit up the room when he arrived with his big booming laughter, great smile and special hugs, he genuinely cared and wanted to know who you were and what was going on in your life. He always added insightful perspectives during fire pit discussions and was just there when you needed someone to sit quietly beside, his kindness, intellect and friendship was a gift and we had the privilege of spending time with him.

Mike you will always have a special place in our hearts, we feel so grateful to have had you in our lives and cherish all these memories forever.

Much Love

Lou, Mark, Lachie and Ben xxxx

Mike... Da'Man!... the even keel man!!!. What you saw that's exactly what you got. Always a constant, it didn't matter what.

As an individual, husband, Dad, friend... never, ever disparaging an issue, an individual or a moment, but totally the opposite, always making you feel comfortable, and not just hearing but listening what you had to say, always with a friendly, and smart conversation or a comment that made you listen to what he had to say... and that open and friendly smile and humor that captured the moment and made you want to be there for another beer the following week.

Yeap... what you saw, that's what you got... inspiration as a husband/partner, Dad, friend... I feel sooooo lucky to have crossed paths, and my heart does too!

But! Mike had his dark side too... GOD HE DID!, Mike HATED... THRUSTERS!!!... he did hate them!!!... that was the only time I ever heard him bitterly complaining about anything... and that was hi-la-rious!!! But if nothing else, it made him a mere mortal and even more lovable!

I feel so lucky to have been touched by his energy, his love for life, and the respect and inclusion that he always displayed for the people around him.

Mike, I miss you, but I'm sooo happy to have met you!

Mike was an outstanding therapist and an even better human. I appreciated his eclectic sense of music & was blessed to witness the emergence of his love story with Elizabeth when we all worked together at the Seattle VAMC. 

This is an odd story to share but, for some reason, I remember this quote from Mike: “There is nothing as over-rated as sex and as under-rated as a good bowel movement “ 😆

To Mike’s family, I'm so sorry for the loss of Mike. 

I met Mike the summer of 2008 when I joined the Inpatient Rehab dept at St. Joe’s as a Unit Coordinator. I was introduced to him as the manager of Outpatient Rehab. Eventually becoming the director of all of Rehab Therapy, I had a fair amount of direct interactions with Mike over the course of those 15 years. He always was personable, relatable, and responsive in all our conversations. A genuinely likable guy, and a fantastic boss. And his presence is deeply missed.