Residing in Portland, Oregon, Michael passed in his sleep at the Hopewell House Hospice at the age of 72 on Friday, May 8th, 2015. Michael had battled cancer off and on for the past several years and finally succumbed. Michael and his wife of 53 years passed within days of each other, and are now together again.

Michael was born on April 25th, 1943 in Dayton, Minnesota and graduated from Elk River High School before marrying his high school sweetheart, Syless Bollinger. After starting a family, they moved to Oregon in the early 1970’s. He was the child of Robert William Barnes and Lucille Ora Kirk, but was raised by his aunt Lilas Kirk whom he held in the highest esteem.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Syless, and his brother Jim. He is survived by his sister Pat Kilian, his son Bob Barnes and his wife Staci from Vancouver, WA, his son Terry Barnes and his wife Carmen from Vancouver, WA, his son Patrick Barnes and his wife Anne from Washougal, WA along with his 8 grandchildren (Krystle, Kayla, Michael, Brandon, Jacob, Ryan, Samuel, & Erika Barnes), and his one great grandchild Aidyn.

Mike enjoyed a long and successful career in Insurance and worked at least part time until October of 2014. He had a long and loyal following of people who respected him for his honesty and straight to the point demeanor. He had a charisma about him that bounded out of his expansive imagination and boundless passion. He was a member of the Slice of Life Golf club that played on Thursdays and the Friday Afternoon Golf Society in order to quench his love for the game of golf. Mike found joy in the little things and clearly knew what he liked as well as what he didn’t like and had no problem sharing those thoughts with all those close to him. He lived life true to his beliefs and passions without worrying about gaining the approval of others.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2015 at 1:00pm at Saint Clare’s church (503-244-1037) located at 8535 SW 19th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. All eight grandchildren will be personally involved in the service. There will be a Celebration of Life event following the funeral at Michael and Syless’ home in SW Portland.