Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Mike Lease passed away at his Vancouver, Wash., home on March 16, 2017, doing what he loved — yard work.
He was born Jan. 1, 1944, in The Dalles, Ore. to Jean and Marion (Hachler) Lease. Mike was married to his high school sweetheart, Sunday (Maurer) Lease, for nearly 56 years. He lived his life fully, and was loved by so many, many people.
Mike and Sunday worked together to put Mike through college. He obtained a Master's Degree in Special Education, and had a decades-long career in the field. He loved to read, especially history, and his library contained thousands of books. In the 1970s, he owned a tavern and started a fantasy football league that continued, with himself as commissioner, for over 40 years. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He had a strong connection to the Special Olympics, and gave many hours of his time to the organization.
Mr. Lease will be remembered by his wife Sunday, their children: Leny Lease; daughter Lisa Lease McNamee and husband Sean; brother Wayne Lease and his family; grandchildren Riley and Randelle McNamee; and by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A Celebration of Life where family, friends, and their children can drop in will be from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 at the Ice House, 7804 NE Hwy 99 in Vancouver, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the Special Olympics in Michael's name.
[Wayne Lease]
I respectfully request notice of this announcement be passed along to those many friends and admirers Mike enjoyed throughout his time on GOD’s earth walking among his creations.
He was a gift to me and I forgive him for leaving me alone, but knowing it’s not for eternity.
