Michael Gary Belcher

Michael Gary Belcher came into the world on August 28th,1965 at Swedish Hospital on First Hill in Seattle, WA. He was born into a family descended from early civic leaders in Seattle: His mother, Patricia Nadine Blackford, born in Seattle in 1938, was the granddaughter of Captain James Griffiths, who was instrumental in expanding Seattle´s trade with Japan, was an early member of the Seattle Yacht Club and built ships on a site on Bainbridge Island that now serves as the Winslow ferry dock. His father, Dennis Howard Belcher Sr, came to Seattle from Astoria, served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, and married Nadine in 1961.

Michael grew up on Queen Anne Hill. He attended West Queen Anne Elementary School, McClure Junior High, Queen Anne High School and Franklin High School.

Michael Gary Belcher is survived by his wife and best friend of 34 years, Christie Ugrin; his two children, David Barney and Alicia Berrios, and their spouses, Rona Barney and Joshua Berrios; his 3 grandchildren, Aiden Michael, Ethan Michael and Adaline Mae; his brother, David Belcher; his sisters, Kelly Stranlund and Vickie West; and his father, Dennis Belcher.

Mike met his wife, Christie Ugrin, in the early 90's. They created a lasting marriage and friendship that was full of love and laughter. They married on October 5th,1996 in Kent, Washington. Nothing brought Mike greater joy than his wife; he felt very loved and protected by her. Mike enjoyed spending his time with Chris by the beach, watching their favorite tv shows together, car rides, traveling and playing with their grandkids. Christie was the constant companion he always deserved and wanted.

Mike was known as a real family man and excelled naturally at fatherhood. His two children, David and Alicia, share what a gift his presence was growing up. He was a hands-on dad that wanted to be present and involved. Mike never missed any event at school or for sports. He was a dependable man that always showed up.

Mike's relationship with his son-in-law and daughter-in-law were very important to him. Often, he’d share the sense of peace he had for both of them being in his life. Mike loved Josh and Rona as his own children. He had a strong bond with each of them and he loved their families as well: Rona's parents, Roberto and Alma Rana; all of her siblings; Joshua's parents, Jim and Suzanne Berrios; and Josh's 2 siblings.

As with fatherhood, being a grandparent came effortlessly for Mike too. His grandchildren call him Papa and they each have a unique and strong bond. Aiden Michael, the oldest, is the leader. Mike knew he will lead by example and do great things in his life. Ethan Michael, 8 years later, was a great day for Mike to celebrate his 2 favorite boys who both would carry on his 1st name. A couple years later a perfect end to Mike's love story for his grandchildren, a girl, Adaline Mae exactly what Mike needed to complete his heart.

Michael has one brother, David Belcher, who he was very close with. They would talk almost daily and shared a close friendship that he was truly grateful for. Often Michael would express how he hopes he was a great brother to David because he felt he deserved the best. Their relationship brought him much love and joy. Mike would find comfort later when David married the love of his life, Michael Wardlow. He knew Michael would always be there for David and, in turn, David provided Michael with a love that Mike knew Michael needed. Together they have built something wonderful that works for them.

Mike had a loving relationship with his step-sister, Kelly Strandlund, for over 50 years. He was proud of and loved his nephew, Ryan, and niece, Jessie. Mike also gained another sister when he and Chris were married in 1996 and a strong bond of love and friendship grew with Vickie & Terry West. He had a special place in his heart for his 2 nieces, Kasey Kulbeck and Kristina Bryant, and their love for baseball & softball.

Mike started his working career on Queen Anne in 1981 at the local Uptown Theatre. Through the years Mike worked for the Teamsters Union as foreman in the bread slicing department. Mike worked in the plumbing field for over 20 years, as pipe layer, equipment operator, drain technician, and estimator. Mike retired early in 2017. He and his wife, Chris, would then go on to purchase an RV and travel the US exploring the country together.

Michael had a broad interest in music and activities. He enjoyed country music, rap, hip hop, old school rock and roll, and classical music solely because of his son's time spent in the orchestra. He had a wonderful singing voice and enjoyed doing silly dances. Mike had a great passion for baseball and encouraged our families to enjoy a good baseball game together, to go to the batting cages, and to continue his love for the game. He loved baseball so much he tried to get a job at Safeco field when it first opened. He even offered to work for free. Mike enjoyed taking his grandkids and kids to the Fair, Monster Jam, and the park. He always found fun new places to take the kids. And he would crawl in the play houses, do the zip lines, and go down the slides with them. Fully hands on. He was known in our family as always the guy with a fun plan.

Michael lived a life of honesty, kindness, and strength. He had a gentle confidence about him that attracted people. He was approachable and could make friends anywhere. Michael shared with Chaplin Eddy in early July that he has “lived a life with no regrets”. Mike loved his children and grandchildren. His immediate family were the most important thing to Mike. Michael embodies strength, family and love. Michael writes on July 1st, “Don’t cry for me, instead do good, love each other, and live a peaceful life and if your life isn’t peaceful make the changes you need to." Mike’s peace in his life was the most important thing to him and his family; he made a necessary changes to live a peaceful life and lead his family by that example. Michael lived with such decency and care for those around him. His morals and values are what drew in lifelong friendships. The world is missing this magnificent man; his love is translucent and will continue on in his family long after he left this world.