Michael (Mike) J. O’Sullivan was born

Sept. 1, 1963, the second son of Linda and Con O’Sullivan, Steve, the first child, was born the year before. Mike was the third grandchild of the eventual four to Mildred and Al Anderson, the second of the four, our cousins, Tamara Knapp and the youngest, third Jimmy Knapp.

Close in age, we four spent our childhood, adolescence and the better part of our adult lives living as four siblings. Loving, laughing, fighting and sharing our secrets, large and small. Many of which Mike takes with him today still and always to be a secret, known only to the four of us.

He was raised on the family farm, across the street from our grandparents and across the field from our aunt, uncle and our two “additional siblings.”

He started school in Langley, and graduated there. In the high school, his class picture is on the hallway wall, adjacent to the class pictures of his grandfather, mother, aunt, brother and cousins.

Mike had a natural ability for sports of all kinds from the time he could walk.

When he wasn’t watching sports with his dad, he was playing them with Dad, friends, and teams. He was a walking book when it came to sports, athletes, names and records, and was able to tell which team would win based on his knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of each player.

As an adult, he still loved sports, in fact calling the first day of TV football season his “Christmas Morning.” He didn’t always fare quite as well at fantasy football. As he would tell me, it usually had something to do with “computer error”.

After high school, he attended Edmonds Community College for a two-year degree. He then came back to work on the Island, at the Star Store, beginning his career in the grocery industry under the guidance of Gene Felton, Bill Greene and others working there.

He then “re-met” his high school sweetheart, Janet Thelen. He would confide in me throughout his life, that she was in fact the love of his life. The two of them married, settled in Langley, and had their daughter Reilly, now 16.

The two eventually moved on with their lives separately, with great sadness to both. However, the day he passed, he touted Janet as the best mother Reilly could have ever had, and her partner Adam as someone he felt happy, very safe and secure having a role in Reilly’s life.

He left the Star Store and purchased his own business, the Clinton FoodMart. He owned it and shared the workload with his employees as well as his friend and most trusted manager, Clay Anderson. With the combination Mike’s and Clay’s knowledge, skills and foresight, as well as all the dedicated staff, they created a thriving business, a living legacy to both men.

The majority of Mike’s life, he was an avid practicing Christian. Recently, while still holding the Christian doctrines close to his heart, he adopted a more spiritual approach to his path. Never abandoning his Christian background, he felt it important to examine his own beliefs about the Bible through reading and while praying for understanding, directives and guidance. This was very important to him in times of concern, distress, joy, happiness and success. It served him well to his passing and belief in Heaven.

Mike was a true “giver” to any and all who needed it. Personally and quietly he helped many organizations and individuals that needed assistance.

He’d recently become aware of the amazing number of “locals” who were either utilizing the Good Cheer Food Bank, or in some cases going without food. He implemented a program in his business to assist to remedy that.

The love of his life was his family.

However, his greatest love was held by his daughter. She is his hero, and he took great pride in her. He loved going with her to football games, watching her play sports, hearing her talk about her classes and friends as well as any concerns about life and anything else for that matter. Most important to him was his dreams and goals for her. Be happy, healthy, safe, kind and complete college, find a job she was truly passionate about, then, and only then, find a partner she was truly passionate about to date, then maybe consider spending her life with.

Between Reilly’s mother and her father’s upbringing, as well as Adam’s guidance, he had no concerns about her turning out to be anything less than an excellent, loving, giving and compassionate human being. Remembering those who aren’t as fortunate as she, while not forgetting that at any age, from time to time, it’s still important to listen to the wind in the trees, watch a sunset and make snow angels and jump in mud puddles if you feel like it. But to always take the time to enjoy and relish every waking, living moment and live life to the fullest.

Mike also leaves behind several other beloved relatives: his aunt Dorothy and her partner Larry (Langley); aunt Cathy (Langley); cousins, Eric, Eileen and Lori (Local); his uncle Steve and aunt Maria (Ireland); and his Irish cousins, Michael, Mark and Maria (Ria); his Uncle Aiden, (San Francisco); his beloved mother, Linda Anderson (Langley); his brother’s partner, Todd Jacobs (Langley); and he leaves me, his brother Steve. My best friend and as I know and will always cherish, his best friend as well.

Also many more extended family member and friends he loved and cared for.

In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family requests donations to the Good Cheer Food Bank.

In Mike’s memory, hug someone today who may not expect it, and let them know you love them unconditionally.

Funeral arrangements are by Visser Funeral home. The service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the CMA in Langley with a light lunch to follow immediately after at Steve’s house at 428 Second St., Langley.