Michael Harold Monson

MICHAEL HAROLD MONSON January 16, 1948 ~ March 17, 2013 Mike Monson, 65, died at his Vancouver, WA home on Sun., March 17, 2013 after fighting cancer for 16 years. He was born Jan. 16, 1948 to Alice and Harold Monson in Decorah, IA and graduated with the class of 1966 from Azusa High in Azusa, CA. Mike went on to earn his A.S. at Citrus College in Glendora, CA. It was during his data processing class that he met the love of his life, Sharon (Gibbs) Monson. After graduation, Mike served in the U.S. Navy for four years where he worked as an aircraft electrician in Oahu, Hawaii. Upon returning to California, Mike and Sharon were married July 10, 1971 at Village Presbyterian Church in Arcadia. In 1974, Mike and Sharon welcomed their first child, Scott, and became a family. A career opportunity had the young family moving to Vancouver, WA in 1976. The couple's second child, Erica, was born in 1978. In 1983, Mike founded his own company, Columbia Dental Equipment and Repair where he worked until 1998 when his health forced him to retire. Mike enjoyed spending his time in his woodshop where he crafted artisan pens and bowls. Mike was active at Grace & Glory Community Church. He treasured the friendships made there. In 2007, Mike made the first of four trips to India. It was there that he discovered his personal and spiritual mission of saving babies from infanticide, an unfortunate but not uncommon practice in India. Mike was a regular and generous supporter of Girl Baby Home in Chennai, India. The little girls there knew Mike and Sharon as Grandpa and Grandma. Mike is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon; son Scott; daughter, Erica; mother, Alice; brothers, Bob, David and Rollie; sisters, Sherry, Mary and Linda; grandsons, David, Harry, George, Thomas, Michael and Roger Libenow, and Tyler Monson; as well as many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold, in 1997; and his sixth grandchild, Frank Charles Libenow, in 2008. A viewing will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Fri., March 22 from Noon to 9:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be Saturday morning, followed that afternoon by a memorial service at Grace & Glory Community Church in Vancouver at 2:00 p.m. Rather than flowers, Mike would be honored for donations to be made to Girl Baby Home. Checks may be written in the name of Grace and Glory Community Church, with Girl Baby Home noted in the memo. Donations should be sent to Grace and Glory Community Church, 10407 NW 21st Ave., Vancouver, WA 98685. Arrangements are being handled by Evergreen Memorial Gardens (360) 892-6060.

Michael Harold Monson

January 16, 1948 - March 17, 2013