Michael William Hougan, born February 23, 1939 in Tenino to Wylma Margaret and Cecil Morris, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on September 7, 2012. He grew up in Fall City, Washington on a dairy farm. His life was an agricultural study of plant and animal care. He attended Mt. Si High School, where he met Christine Williams. The two started a journey that would lead them along life\u2019s path for 54 years.Mike graduated from high school in 1957 and attended Washington State University. His studies followed his love of animals and he graduated from WSU as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1966. He began practicing veterinary medicine in Snohomish at Pilchuck Veterinary Clinic. In 1968, Mike purchased the Animal Medical Hospital, formerly the Ellis Veterinary Hospital, in Olympia. He practiced small animal medicine until his retirement in 2004. He was fondly regarded by all living creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following his retirement from animal care, Mike worked as a plant inspector for the Washington State Department of Agriculture and joined the security team on the Washington State Capitol campus. Most recently he drove a school bus for Olympia School District. This was an obvious choice as he enjoyed caring for children as much as he cared for animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike enjoyed the outdoors with his family, whether it was camping at Mount Rainier or fishing on the Puget Sound. He may not have caught many fish, but he always had a tale to tell. His wife and five boys were very important to him and he loved when his family grew with five daughters-in-law and twelve grandchildren. Mike\u2019s perfect Saturday was filled with cheering at the grandkids\u2019 sporting events, hearing about how their games went, a WSU Cougar win, and Big Tom\u2019s with bacon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike was known for his skills at fixing any broken piece of equipment or toy. If he had a length of wire, some duct tape or hot glue, it was fixable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Christine Hougan; children, Michael Jr. (Brooke), John, David (Karen), Matthew (Mary), Thomas (Sunny); grandchildren, Andrew, Riley, Chelsea, Hans, Evan, Mikayla, Alexander, Karlyn (Andrew), Madelyn, Jocelyn, Jack, Benjamin; in-laws, Donald Williams (Deanna), Robin Pappas (Jack), Wendy Shepherd (Bill), Stephen (Daphnie); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His struggle is over and he is at peace. Mike\u2019s family thanks the unwavering care from the staff and volunteers of Providence Hospice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His motto and last thoughts to all would most definitely resemble those spoken by the long time radio sportscaster Bob Robertson during his signature sign off: \u201cRemember to be a good sport, be a good sport always \u2013 so long!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go Cougs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Memorial donations may be made in Mike\u2019s name to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine or Providence Hospice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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