May 08, 1942 - January 10, 2022
Michael Angland Dempsey passed away on January 10, 2022 at home in Deer Park, Washington with his wife and daughters by his side. Born on May 8, 1942 to Ralph Thomas and Jane Elenor Dempsey (maiden Dunlap) in Albany, California. Michael was 79 years old. Michael is survived by his dear wife of over 40 years, Fran Dempsey; sons, Stephen Dempsey (Delinda) of LaCenter, WA, Tommy Dempsey of Portland, OR; and daughters Sarah Dempsey (Craig) of Seattle, WA and Emily Dempsey (Scott) of Kailua, HI. He leaves behind his brothers James ‘Jed’ Dempsey (Evelyn); Ralph ‘Tom’ Dempsey, and Grady Dempsey; and his dear cousin and best friend Steve Armstrong (Anne). He was blessed with two grandchildren; Heather Wall (Ryan) and Michael Dempsey, and two great-grandchildren Logan Ryba and Mason Wall; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, two brothers Dennis and Chris, his sister-in-law Marcia, and his first wife, Christine ‘Monika’ Dempsey (maiden Urbanietz). Michael was rich in friends and family and he treasured the time he spent with them. Michael grew up in the Bay Area of California and enjoyed spending time outside and hunting with his dad, brothers, and cousin Steve. He had many fond memories camping and fishing on the Stanislaus River. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1960 and joined the United States Air Force (USAF) as a Medic. After training at Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama he was stationed overseas in Germany at Bitburg Air Force Base where he met and married his first wife Monika and was blessed with two sons, Stephen and Tommy. After Michael left the USAF in 1966, he moved back to the states and settled down in Portland, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Fran, and was blessed with two daughters, Sarah and Emily. Eventually Michael and his family moved to Sandy, Oregon in 1990. Michael was a member of the Teamsters Local 81 and drove trucks for IML and Willig Freight Lines until he retired in 1995. Michael enjoyed a long retirement where he was able to spend time with his family and do plenty of hunting, both bird and big game with his brothers and friends. In 2005 Michael and Fran moved up to Cheney, WA where they stayed until 2016, eventually settling in Deer Park, WA where Fran currently lives. Michael wanted to be remembered as a good person and a loving father, husband, and friend. He wanted us all to remember his sense of humor and smile and laugh when we think of him. He lived a good life and was blessed to have loved and been loved by many. Michael did not want a formal memorial service. He requested that friends and family gather round, have a few drinks, and talk about him sharing stories and memories—remembering a life well lived. Michael loved camping, rafting, hunting, and fly fishing on the Deschutes River in Oregon. On Michael’s coming birthday (May 8, 2022) the family is planning on a celebration of life camp-out on the Deschutes River where toasts will be made and memories shared. Specific details will be provided at a later date. Pacific Northwest Cremation and Funeral has been entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences or share a story on his memorial webpage please visit www.pacificnorthwestcremation.com
