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Michael Joe Botu, Sr.
12/10/1946 — 01/01/2007
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael Joe Botu, Sr.
Michael Joe Botu, Sr., age 60, passed away on January 1, 2007 in Seattle... He was born on December 10, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Betty and George Botu, and lived in the Tri-Cities for 50 years. He moved to the Tri-Cities with his mother and father at an early age. He attended Richland schools and was a graduate of the Columbia High Class of '65. He served in the US Army. After serving his country in Vietnam, he came home, married Priscilla Thompson in 1969 and became a father to two children, Mike Jr. and Michelle. They were divorced in 1976 but remained in his life.
Raised an only child, at forty-six Michael searched for, and found, the biological father he had never known in Ohio, John Pavlich, and then came to know two half brothers and a half sister. The father passed away soon after but the ensuing relationships with this extended family was something that brought a lot of joy to him the rest of his life.
He is survived by best friend and wife, Kathy Botu; son, Michael Joe Botu, Jr., daughter, Michelle Noel Botu, stepdaughter, Freya Vaughn Matsumura; grandchildren, Tommy, Steven and Clarity. In addition to these are siblings, Patti Hurley Florida, Jamie Pavlich Ohio and Stan Hillerman Indiana. He also leaves his beloved companions, Joker and Muffin.
An accomplished sheet metal worker, he was a perfectionist who took pride in everything he did. He was happy to share his love of NASCAR sprint and go cart races with his family and attended NASCAR races all over the country. He was a member of the Aces and Eights Car Club. Michael owned and raced go carts and stock cars. He loved to be in and around race tracks anywhere.
Michael was a huge fan of music and had a very eclectic taste; he leaves a huge CD collection. One of he and Kathy's favorite occupations was traveling to hear different groups and usually made a point to chat with some of the members of the band and get autographed copies of their music.
Michael was unforgettable for his quirky sense of humor, few words, bald head expressive eyes, and distinctive white beard. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be at Einan's in Richland at 10:00 am Friday, January 5, 2007. Donations may be made to Northwest Lung Inc., support@Northwest-Lung.org or www.northwest-lung.org; 2802 W. 10th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336.
My sincere condolences to the Botu Family.
Mike was a ‘long ball’ hitter while playing little league baseball in Richland. While my memory may be a ‘bit off’ I do believe he hit 11 or 12 one season…surely one for the ‘books’.
Salute from a 1964 Richland Bomber
Kathy and family,
I am very sad to hear of your loss, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teri
Kathy,
Our hearts our with you.. Michael will truly be missed.
Love Ya
Barbie & Brad
What a smile. He is an awesome memory for me. The first man to share a Harley ride with me! Sorry to have not made the service today. I truly thought about you all and wished I could have seen you! We are not here to stay just visiting for a short time. Enjoy the moments.
I will be in touch.
Hugs and Love
Rita
Wow, where do I start… I believe I was 15 or 16 years old when my sister Priscilla brought Mike home for dinner. We had a pretty formal routine, When Dad came home at 5:30 dinner was to be on the table, all faces and hands washed and we had our assigned seating, there was usually 7 of us every night. Living on a farm the table was always full of food… I came rushing to get to my spot at the table and this guy was sitting in MY spot. I not so nicely said move it buster… Dang, I had to sit on the dinky stool…
I was thrilled when I found out Mike and Priscilla was expecting their first child, while waiting for Mike to be born we decided to go to the Spud-nut shop. Priscilla didn’t think we were very supportive. But we were there when he arrived.
It was Mike Sr. birthday on the 10th and his daughter Michelle-Noel’s on the 19th. She was due Christmas day, but Cilla and Mike had gone out Christmas shopping and when she was going up the icy steps of the “A” house she slipped… That night Cilla said “Mike something feels funny between my legs” Mike looked and there was Chel’s foot kicking back and forth… Mike said he thought he was gonna throw up, but got the ambulance there. Mike asked the Doctor “Is the baby alive? The Doctor said, Well the way that foot is going I’d say so!” and Chel was born c-section and hasn’t stopped going yet…
Mike Sr. & Mike Jr. on race day had an air of excitment that surrounded them and their pit crew, you couldn’t help but get caught up in it.
Car racing, go-carts, fishing, camping, boating, holidays and birthdays brought us all together with so many memories. When Kathy joined the family she fit right in, with her ready smile and green bean caserole.
Mike was very proud of her and very much in love with her. I know it’s difficult for some to try and figure out the family ties but family we are. You can still see Mike Sr. eyes twinkle back at you, as you look at his children and grandchildren. I’m sure he will be beaming down from heaven when Freya’s baby is born and would have loved to take that grandchild fishing with the rest of his crew.
Farewell dear brother, I will miss you greatly and will keep your meomory dear to my heart and enjoy seeing you sparkle through those you left behind, for they will always be apart of you.
God Bless and be with you forever and ever.
See you on the other side, I’m sure you’ll be speeding around in some special hot rod in heaven.
Love your sister, Beckie
Kathy,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. Our thoughts are with you and your family. He will be missed.
Tom & Judy
Kathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I remember Mike’s deep laugh and good nature – his love of dogs and cars and you! I wish I was 3,000 miles closer to hug you, but I’m thinking of you and him on this day. Love, Mary, Paul and Natalie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although we lived miles apart you were never forgotten Mike, as being my cousin. I will always remember the “fun times” the family shared at Mammie & Grandpa’s in Bloomington, IN. The croquet games, baseball plastic bats & balls, the home movies shown outside on a sheet Mammie hung on the clothesline, the trips to the miniature golf course and Grandpa with his “gimmee” putts. Those are very dear memories that will be in my heart forever.
Sorry we couldn’t be there.
Sadly missed by your cousin,
Diann “Giggles” & Darwin Swanson
Michael,We didn’t know you long, but you really added spice to our lives. We will miss you! I remember when we first met alot of questions about our parents and their attitude were toward me were answered. We love you!
Kathy, your warmth and smile are priceless. We always have a good laugh when we chat. May God bless you and give you comfort. Michael was not a morbid person and would not want you to be extremely sad. Be glad that he is now able to be free of all the health problems that made life difficult. Love John and Patti
Mike was a neighborhood buddy of mine. He lived next to Derry Granquist and I lived down the street on Marshall. We used to play together all the time in grade school. Who ever wrote Mikes obit really captured him in their description of his manner. He was a man of few words. But, that twinkle in his eye made him a great communicator. My ole neighborhood gang is gone now. Derry died in Australia. I thought of Mike more often than I was able to see him. He will be missed.
Steve
Kathy, I know Stan had responded to the guest book earlier, but I did not find it. He is not very “accomplished” where computers are concerned.
That is why I wanted to put our two cents worth in.
It was so Great when I got to meet you two when you came here for the first BrickYard in Indy and stayed with us. I know when Mike found out that Stan aka Nickie was his half-brother after George died, that phone call was a long one. Neither one of them were “Only children” again.
It was neat watching them go through those old photos from Mammie, finding leads to his blood father.
Chasing Fireflies with you was fun too. :O
Mike will be missed. He is in our prayers as well as for you too.
Loads of Love
Stan & Joni
My sincere condolences to the Botu Family.
Mike was a ‘long ball’ hitter while playing little league baseball in Richland. While my memory may be a ‘bit off’ I do believe he hit 11 or 12 one season…surely one for the ‘books’.
Salute from a 1964 Richland Bomber
Kathy and family,
I am very sad to hear of your loss, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teri
Kathy,
Our hearts our with you.. Michael will truly be missed.
Love Ya
Barbie & Brad
What a smile. He is an awesome memory for me. The first man to share a Harley ride with me! Sorry to have not made the service today. I truly thought about you all and wished I could have seen you! We are not here to stay just visiting for a short time. Enjoy the moments.
I will be in touch.
Hugs and Love
Rita
Wow, where do I start… I believe I was 15 or 16 years old when my sister Priscilla brought Mike home for dinner. We had a pretty formal routine, When Dad came home at 5:30 dinner was to be on the table, all faces and hands washed and we had our assigned seating, there was usually 7 of us every night. Living on a farm the table was always full of food… I came rushing to get to my spot at the table and this guy was sitting in MY spot. I not so nicely said move it buster… Dang, I had to sit on the dinky stool…
I was thrilled when I found out Mike and Priscilla was expecting their first child, while waiting for Mike to be born we decided to go to the Spud-nut shop. Priscilla didn’t think we were very supportive. But we were there when he arrived.
It was Mike Sr. birthday on the 10th and his daughter Michelle-Noel’s on the 19th. She was due Christmas day, but Cilla and Mike had gone out Christmas shopping and when she was going up the icy steps of the “A” house she slipped… That night Cilla said “Mike something feels funny between my legs” Mike looked and there was Chel’s foot kicking back and forth… Mike said he thought he was gonna throw up, but got the ambulance there. Mike asked the Doctor “Is the baby alive? The Doctor said, Well the way that foot is going I’d say so!” and Chel was born c-section and hasn’t stopped going yet…
Mike Sr. & Mike Jr. on race day had an air of excitment that surrounded them and their pit crew, you couldn’t help but get caught up in it.
Car racing, go-carts, fishing, camping, boating, holidays and birthdays brought us all together with so many memories. When Kathy joined the family she fit right in, with her ready smile and green bean caserole.
Mike was very proud of her and very much in love with her. I know it’s difficult for some to try and figure out the family ties but family we are. You can still see Mike Sr. eyes twinkle back at you, as you look at his children and grandchildren. I’m sure he will be beaming down from heaven when Freya’s baby is born and would have loved to take that grandchild fishing with the rest of his crew.
Farewell dear brother, I will miss you greatly and will keep your meomory dear to my heart and enjoy seeing you sparkle through those you left behind, for they will always be apart of you.
God Bless and be with you forever and ever.
See you on the other side, I’m sure you’ll be speeding around in some special hot rod in heaven.
Love your sister, Beckie
Kathy,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. Our thoughts are with you and your family. He will be missed.
Tom & Judy
Kathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I remember Mike’s deep laugh and good nature – his love of dogs and cars and you! I wish I was 3,000 miles closer to hug you, but I’m thinking of you and him on this day. Love, Mary, Paul and Natalie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although we lived miles apart you were never forgotten Mike, as being my cousin. I will always remember the “fun times” the family shared at Mammie & Grandpa’s in Bloomington, IN. The croquet games, baseball plastic bats & balls, the home movies shown outside on a sheet Mammie hung on the clothesline, the trips to the miniature golf course and Grandpa with his “gimmee” putts. Those are very dear memories that will be in my heart forever.
Sorry we couldn’t be there.
Sadly missed by your cousin,
Diann “Giggles” & Darwin Swanson
Michael,We didn’t know you long, but you really added spice to our lives. We will miss you! I remember when we first met alot of questions about our parents and their attitude were toward me were answered. We love you!
Kathy, your warmth and smile are priceless. We always have a good laugh when we chat. May God bless you and give you comfort. Michael was not a morbid person and would not want you to be extremely sad. Be glad that he is now able to be free of all the health problems that made life difficult. Love John and Patti
Mike was a neighborhood buddy of mine. He lived next to Derry Granquist and I lived down the street on Marshall. We used to play together all the time in grade school. Who ever wrote Mikes obit really captured him in their description of his manner. He was a man of few words. But, that twinkle in his eye made him a great communicator. My ole neighborhood gang is gone now. Derry died in Australia. I thought of Mike more often than I was able to see him. He will be missed.
Steve
Kathy, I know Stan had responded to the guest book earlier, but I did not find it. He is not very “accomplished” where computers are concerned.
That is why I wanted to put our two cents worth in.
It was so Great when I got to meet you two when you came here for the first BrickYard in Indy and stayed with us. I know when Mike found out that Stan aka Nickie was his half-brother after George died, that phone call was a long one. Neither one of them were “Only children” again.
It was neat watching them go through those old photos from Mammie, finding leads to his blood father.
Chasing Fireflies with you was fun too. :O
Mike will be missed. He is in our prayers as well as for you too.
Loads of Love
Stan & Joni
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Billy Joe and Family
I’m so sorry kathy will be thinking of you always you can call if you like 336 376 1635.
LOVE ALWAYS,
Joleen Terrell your sister-in -law
I am so sorry about Mike. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karra
Stan Hillerman’s daughter
I fondly remember Mike from High School and his upbeat attitude. I’m sorry for your loss but heaven’s received another angel!
Ronna Jo Lynch Class of ’65
Dear Kathy,
I’m very, very sorry for your loss! My prayers and thoughts will be with you & your family.
Laura
Kathy and Family,
Dad just called and told me the news. All I can say is you are in my thoughts and prayers. A smile always comes to my face every time I hear a story about the good ole’ days in the Tri Cities and “Mike Botu”. May your sorrow be swift and your wonderful memories triumph. Sending my love. Tara
Polk Salad Annie, Mike.
He knows what I mean.
Be at Peace.
Love,
Kathie
Kathy,
Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. We both pray that you will be comforted by God’s healing touch. Also Kathy, please call us if you just want some company or need some help with what ever.
I understand that Mike had a good life and enjoyed his time in so many ways. I would have recognized him even though I haven’t seen him since high school. Please know that you are in my thoughts. — Pam
Kathy,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. You are now and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Jennifer
Kathy,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Anita
Kathy:
I’m so sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Too soon. It was nice chatting with him at the company Christmas party just a few weeks ago.
Fran
Kathy,
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. It was nice chatting with him at the last Benton County Fair. We had fun working on Cars over the years. Of course they had to be FORDS of some kind.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike: Keep searching for those “fresh tracks” You have always been a great friend. Go Well and know you are loved.
Guestbook for
Michael Joe Botu, Sr.