Myron (“Mike,” “Red”), a Seattle resident, died after a short illness at the age of 90 on March 23, 2010.

Born in Seattle to Myron and Julia Mackie Brixner on May 28, 1919, Mike spent his boyhood at Maxwelton on Whidbey Island.

He attended Intervale, a two room schoolhouse, and learned many life lessons from his grandparents, Ada and Peter Mackie. He enjoyed joining his father in the woods to take him lunch or watch him log.

After his father died when Mike was 10, he was responsible for milking the cows, tending the garden, cutting wood, and building a fire in the stoves. He squeezed in joyous hours fishing and playing on the beach and tide flats of Useless Bay with his cousins and friends. His love of baseball was nurtured on the diamond at Dave Mackie Park, across the street from his mother’s store. His goal was to become a professional baseball player.

After graduating from Langley High School, he lived in Klamath Falls, Ore. and was a pitcher with the Klamath Falls Red Sox. In 1938 he entered the Coast Guard and was the star pitcher for their team. While working in the Coast Guard office in downtown Seattle, he met his wife, Alvina Krininger.

After eight years in the Coast Guard he continued his passion for baseball and conversation as a TV/radio commentator for the Seattle Rainiers. Always at home on the water, his longest career was in the maritime industry, first as a mate and captain on ocean tugs and later as business agent for the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots. In retirement he enjoyed traveling through Europe, spending winters on Maui, and maintaining a family home along the creek at Maxwelton.

Mike loved nothing more than to draw others into a conversation about Puget Sound, history, politics, local sports, birds, fishing, golf, vegetable gardening – you name it, he knew about it! His wealth of experience in the Pacific Northwest gave him a unique perspective, enabling him to see how it changed socially and physically in his lifetime. He understood the seasons, when to plant, and when to expect to see the return of birds or salmon runs. He impressed us with his photographic memory, creative menus, sense of humor, and in later years, caring for Alvina.

Mike is survived by children Julieann Barker (Alan) and Mike Brixner (Anne); grandchildren Sara (Jason) and David Barker, Mike and Nick Brixner; and sister Gerry Miller. He is preceded in death by his brother Lauren and wife of 66 years, Alvina.

Donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the South Whidbey Historical Society, PO Box 612, Langley, WA 98260.