Obituary: George “Mike” Grossmiller

After returning from the service, Mike went to Ketchikan, Alaska, and worked on commercial fishing boats and flew bush planes. Mike then moved to Bend, Oregon, and began his lifelong career with the Union Pacific (later the Burlington Northern) Railroad. It was in Bend that he met the love of his life, Patricia Spike. Mike and Patty eloped to Reno on Jan. 18, 1971. With this marriage, Mike gained his two stepchildren, Teresa and Jon, who he loved like his own. Mike and Patty built their first home outside of Bend. Mike owned a Land Cruiser with a winch and one night after a school Christmas play, he spent hours pulling out families who had slid into the ditch. This is one of many examples of Mike always being willing to help someone out — friend or stranger. Mike and Patty also enjoyed being a part of the trap club in Bend.

In 1975, the family moved to The Dalles to be closer to family. Mike and Patty designed and built their forever home on Three Mile Road. On this property, Mike grew apples in his orchards and put up hay, all while working for the railroad.

Throughout the years, Mike and Patty loved their friends and social circles. They both were members of The Dalles Rodeo Association, Mike serving as president for many years. They attended the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas frequently. Mike enjoyed going to hunting camp with the guys every year. They loved their annual trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, often bringing along friends and relatives, and they became close friends with the locals as well.

What Mike really loved to do was fish! They made several trips back to Alaska to fish. They enjoyed their beach cabin in Pacific City. Mike kept his boat, The Habanero, at Garibaldi Marina. Mike had friends everywhere he went, and he loved to talk to anyone about fishing.

Mike enjoyed his “critters.” He fed the local squirrels, pheasants, raccoons, birds, and hummingbirds. He liked to watch them from his deck. He also loved his chocolate lab, Mo.

Mike lost Patty to cancer in 2003. He took great care of her until the end. After her death, he tried to maintain his social life and keep himself busy. He spent even more time on his boat on the ocean and at the cabin in Pacific City. He enjoyed his weekly wine club with his friends in The Dalles and he loved having people up to the house to cook fresh seafood for them.

He was a committed stepfather, a wonderful grandfather, a caring great-grandfather, and the type of friend everyone wishes to have.

Mike is survived by his stepchildren, Teresa Ramos of Boulder, Montana, and Jon Ramos (DeeAnn) of Toledo, Oregon. His grandchildren include Leta Re, Kyla Kenny (Noah), Shelby Fadness (Lathe), Patrick Ramos, and Joseph Ramos. Mike also had several great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Janelle Sandoz and Hood River Hospice for providing great care and allowing Mike to stay in his home in his final days. Also, a big thank you to Mike’s loyal friends who visited him, checked in on him, and kept him company — he appreciated you all.

A celebration of life is being planned for spring.