Barbara Gail Michael

BARBARA GAIL MICHAELSeptember 5, 1939 ˜ September 26, 2023 Barbara Gail Michael passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sept. 26, 2023. She was 84 years old. Born in Duluth, MN, she was the beloved daughter of Lloyd and Astrid Bjorge. Lloyd and Astrid were themselves the children of Norwegian immigrants, and Barbara was proud of her Norwegian-American heritage. The phrase "uff da!" was often heard in her home, and no Christmas season was complete without heaping piles of lefse, a traditional Norwegian flatbread, for her family to enjoy. Barbara had three children, all boys, who doubtless took several years off her life with their boyhood antics. Her sons, Kevin and Craig, came of her first marriage to Joseph Bolton. Her youngest son, Robert, came from her second marriage to William "Bill" Michael. Bill and Barbara were married in Honolulu, HI, in 1963, and remained married until Bill's death in 2014. Owing to Bill's long career in the U.S. Navy, the Michael family lived in various locations around the western United States, including San Francisco, CA, Honolulu, San Diego, CA, Provo, UT, Bremerton, WA, and Kennewick, WA, before finally settling in Vancouver in 1979. While in retirement, Barbara and Bill split their time between Vancouver and Yuma, AZ. Vancouver remained Barbara's home for the rest of her life. Following Bill's death, Barbara met Jim Kurk, who was her constant and loving companion in her final years. Barbara's greatest joy in life was her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She relished any opportunity to spend time with them, and her bright smile shone brightest while in their company. Hardly did a birthday or holiday pass when they did not receive a note in the mail bearing Barbara's beautiful, flowing cursive handwriting to let them know she loved them. Barbara is survived by her sons, Kevin and Robert; her grandchildren, Erik, Ryan, Kirstin, Garrett, and Anthony; and her great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Layla, Kalaya, Kell, Avery, Rook, Nora, Hunter, Alloy, and Remy. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; and her son, Craig. There will be a celebration of Barbara's life on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023, at the clubhouse of the Edgetree Condominiums, 13805 NW 10th Ct., Vancouver, from 1-3 p.m.

Barbara Gail Michael

September 5, 1939 - September 26, 2023