Michael Adrian Poteat

Michael Adrian Poteat began the next phase of his spiritual journey March 5, 2015, surrounded by his family, accompanied by the sound of his daughter’s clarinet.

Michael was born Aug. 2, 1954, the eldest son of Mack and Victoria Poteat, in Redlands, Calif. He spent his early years in California, graduating from Palmdale High School in 1972. He attended Antelope Valley Community College in Lancaster, Calif. While serving as a youth leader at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he met his one, true love, Jaime Jermstad. They were married June 19, 1982.

Michael served with honor in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring after eight years of service. He was stationed in Honolulu; Federal Way, Wash., and Alameda, Calif. He then worked for 25 years at the United States Postal Service in Redmond.

Michael’s pride and joy was his family. His first born was his daughter, Brandy. She was followed by sisters Angelique and Katherine and brother, Garrett. Michael was a loving father and provided love and support for his family. Nothing pleased him more than listening to his children make music on whatever instruments they chose. He loved traveling with his family, camping and exploring new areas. Every year they planned a wonderful vacation and built lasting memories.

They settled on Whidbey Island in 1998 and built the home they shared until his passing. He was constantly improving the property, building a studio for his children, as well as a cottage, intended for his eldest daughter to live in. He loved to serenade his neighbors with eclectic music, mostly classic Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. He enjoyed gardening and planted many lovely gardens alongside his wife. Michael had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor, as his family, friends and co-workers can attest.

Michael was a man of faith, and he lived that faith in his daily life. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and was an active member of St. Hubert’s Parish in Langley.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife and children; brothers, Greg (Desireé), of Santa Clarita, Calif., Paul (Dawn), of Woodstock, Ga., Gerard (Rebecca) of Stevensville, Mont., and Joe (Agatha), of Omaha, Neb.; mother-in-law, Carolyn Nicholas; sister-in-law, Diane Barger; brothers-in-law, Channon (Barbara) Jermstad and Ron (Rhonda) Barger; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In honor of Michael’s support of music in education, the family suggests donations in his name be to the “Be Instrumental” program for the South Whidbey High School. Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2015, at St. Hubert’s in Langley, followed by a vigil service. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13, at St. Hubert’s. A reception at Reed Hall will follow the Mass. Interment will be at 3 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline.