Michael “Mike” Lee Coffey was called to heaven to receive his “Motorcycle Wings” on August 5, 2023.  He was born on November 12, 1945, in Chicago, IL to John and Lelia (nee Collier) Coffey.  He was the youngest of six children.

When he was 8 years old, he made the move to Inglewood, CA with his parents and two of his siblings.  His parents owned a hardware store, and they lived above the store.  He learned how to use his hands and fix things.  Of course, he was also known for being that “little brother” that got away with anything.  Mike graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1965. He met the love of his life, Sheila, when he was 26 years old.

Mike and Sheila married in 1974 and in 1978 they made the move to Kennewick, WA.  He was a carpenter by trade and worked various jobs through the carpenter hall.  Mike and Sheila welcomed their only child, Melanie, in 1981.  In 1984, the three of them moved to San Luis Obispo, CA so they could work at Diablo Canyon.  Upon their return to Kennewick, Mike was hired full-time at Battelle/PNNL.  During his 26 years at Battelle/PNNL, he held various positions including carpenter, locksmith, and Maintenance Manager.  Some of Mike’s hobbies included motorcycles (started riding at the age of 14), flying airplanes including aerial acrobatics, water skiing, fishing, and fixing or building things.  He also loved to tell stories, especially ones that took advantage of his wife and daughter’s gullibility.  He always wanted others to be happy and smile.

Mike was a reliable and honest man.  He cared and loved his family including his many German Shepherds over the years.  If you needed something to be built or wanted an adrenaline rush (airplane or motorcycle ride), Mike was your guy.

Mike was preceded in death by his brothers John (the late Helen and Joan) Coffey of Carlsbad, CA, and Patrick (Lola) Coffey of Marana, AZ, his sisters Amarylis (the late Orville) Poor of Peoria, IL, Fayette (the late John) Considine of Crest Hill, IL, and Janice (Bob) Austin of Fallon, NV.

He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 49 years, Sheila (Dodd) Coffey of Pasco, WA; daughter Melanie (Jesse) Billingsley of Kennewick, WA; grandson James, and German shepherd Ivy.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Einans Event Center (Events At Sunset) 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland WA 99352.

The Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023, starting at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to your favorite non-profit organization or flowers can be sent to Einans Funeral Home – Attention: Event Center