Michael Shannon Ross, 72, of Tacoma, died suddenly after a brief illness on June 3.

He was born in Tacoma in 1953 to Malcolm and Laurel Ross and raised with three sisters in the city's North End. His childhood neighborhood produced lifelong friends who joined sports teams together, including a baseball team coached by his dad. Mike attended Wilson High School before studying health and fitness at Tacoma Community College and then Central Washington University, graduating to become a Physical Education Teacher. He taught in Portugal and the United States Virgin Islands, and returned home to teach in Tacoma and surrounding areas until his retirement.

In his younger years, he enjoyed success in buying and selling cars for profit. He loved the outdoors, camping at "The Cabin" above Hood Canal, boating, hiking to the top of Mount Ellinor in the Olympics, lake and salt water swimming, clamming and shucking oysters. He made yearly months-long trips to Lake Havasu City, AZ, using the city as a central point to drive to surrounding vacation destinations, such as Laughlin and Las Vegas.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm Ross, his mother, Laurel Ross, his sister, Carole, Aunt Norma, and Uncles Roger and Norman. He is survived by sisters Donna and Sandy, several nieces, nephews and cousins, many friends, and his partner of 36 years, Kelli.

As per his request, there will be no funeral.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to healing or research of Spinal Cord Injuries or Psoriatic Arthritis.