Obituary of Michael John Kane

On Thursday, November 18th, Michael Kane of Bainbridge Island and Camano Island, Washington, passed away at the hospital with his wife, Donna, by his side. His smile could light up a room and his witty spirit brought abundant depth and humor to any gathering. Michael, the eldest of 5 children, grew up in Cleveland, Ohio with parents Vincent and Helen (Gulachek) Kane. As school president and Valedictorian, Michael graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956. He formed life-long friendships and his love of hot rods and the “Morgan 4” during these years. Michael went on to earn his Educational Degree at Kent State University. During his time at the university, he married Joanne (Farell) and created a wonderful life together for 52 years until her death in 2012. With their 5 children, the family lived in Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Michael loved his work in educational publishing and continued working part-time until age 80. He served as an editor and marketing specialist for companies such as Ginn & Company, Addison-Wesley, Delta Education, Steck-Vaugh, Teacher’s Curriculum Institute and ETS. After the children were raised, Michael and Joanne continued to move to various locales in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Bainbridge Island. Michael and Joanne’s love of travel took them to Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Italy and included a Mediterranean cruise. After losing Joanne, Michael found love again when he met Donna Hargrave. They married in 2016. Donna gave Michael a second life, full of traveling (Europe and Japan), attending plays and concerts in London, New York City and Seattle, as well as spiritually meaningful retreats and workshops. Michael will be remembered for his love of learning and his love of family. He played ball with his sons and daughters, and then his grandchildren. He was a teacher, coach and mentor, not only of sports, but drawing, mechanics, business and more. He celebrated each person in his growing family as they traveled their unique paths. He also organized countless trips and gatherings to keep the family connected, no matter the distance. He is survived by his children Maureen (Jeanne), Brian (Zayne), Bruce (Yoko), Bridget, and Brendan (Cara). He was a committed and loving grandfather and leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Brian J, Camilo, Daniela, Oliviana, Viantonio, Emmett, and Cecelia. He is also survived by sisters, Janet and Kathy and his brother James. His sister, Nancy, preceded him in death in 2016. Michael also leaves behind his loving wife, Donna, and her children, Dane (Nancy), Dean (Susan), Gabrielle (Murray), Spencer, John (Marina) and 9 grandchildren, Nicholas, Devon, Anthony, Matthew, Colin, Kailan, Braeden, Camille and Amelia who adored spending time with Michael over the last several years. The funeral mass will be held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, WA on December 3rd at 12:10 pm. with a celebratory reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to an organization where Michael spent time attending conferences, pilgrimage and other forms of spiritual growth: The Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org), Albuquerque, NM.