Michael Ray Wilson

Michael Ray "Mike" Wilson left us unexpectedly July 12, 2021, from a tragic car accident in Eastern Oregon. He was a well-loved father, son, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend. Mike was a pillar of the Vancouver, WA, community for several decades and will be missed by all who knew him. Mike was born July 29, 1955, at Memorial Hospital to Raymond and Mary Wilson. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and later graduated from Fort Vancouver High School. After high school, Mike briefly attended WSU followed by the University of Portland and University of Oxford, graduating with a degree in political science and business. He and his former wife Trina welcomed their only daughter in 1988. He was always a very proud father. Over the years Mike worked in many different industries. As an avid collector, he co-owned Paddington Station antique store, hosted "Up Front With Mike Wilson" on KVAN 1550 radio, worked as a business development manager for Mt. Angel Abbey, and was the head of development at Innovative Services NW. Most recently, he was a Senior Associate at Westby Associates, Inc. where he passionately guided nonprofits through fundraising efforts and capital campaigns locally and regionally such as Share, Children's Center, Community Home Health & Hospice, and The Salvation Army Vancouver Corps. His proudest accomplishment was the fundraising campaign for the CDM Caregiving Services Adult Day Center, named after his dear friend John McKibbin. Mike also had a love for politics. He spent many years working on various election campaigns, was a member of the Vancouver City Council from 1990-1997, and could regularly be seen on CVTV hosting local election results. Those that knew Mike best knew that he was very proud of his Scottish heritage and was always looking for an opportunity to wear his kilt. He took many trips to Scotland throughout his life to connect with his loved ones overseas. His other favorite travels included backpacking through Egypt, exploring Bali, and visiting his daughter Ashley as she taught kindergarten in Costa Rica. With a scotch in one hand and cigar in the other, Mike loved regaling his friends and family with tales of travel adventures and antiquing treasure finds. It was this love of travel that he passed down to Ashley and was ever wondering which part of the world she was trekking off to next. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Ray (go Cougs!). He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Ashley (and husband Scott); treasured mum, Mae; sister, Michelle (and husband Brian); nephews and nieces, Troy, Brady, Shaley, and Kylie; grandchildren, Elijah and Noah; and loyal canine companion, Oscar. A funeral mass will be held Monday, August 2, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 11 a.m., with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens shortly after. A reception will take place at CDM Caregiving Services McKibbin Center from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation in his name to CDM Caregiving Services (Vancouver, WA) or Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness (Enterprise, OR) as we know Mike would love nothing more than to be a part of one last fundraiser. We love and miss you dearly Michael.

Michael Ray Wilson

July 29, 1955 - July 12, 2021