Michael John Read, 73, Aberdeen resident and former teacher in California, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Harbor Regional Care Center in Aberdeen, WA.
Michael was born on January 13, 1948 in Ithaca, New York to Robert and Amy (Beverage) Read. His father, Robert, was in the service and the family’s movements made for a diverse education. Michael spent his younger years in the Philippines, attended grade school in England, and graduated from high school in Carmel, California. He studied at CSU Monterey Bay and in 2011 received his teaching credential - a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a Mathematics minor, summa cum laude.
He moved to Salinas, CA in the ‘70s and married Catherine Durrett Read in 1977. They had three children and eventually divorced in 2004.
He moved to Castroville, CA in the early 2000s and married Martha Marie Bush on January 21, 2006 in San Francisco, CA. Michael and Martha then moved to Aberdeen, WA in 2016. He entered retirement in Aberdeen and spent his time playing the guitar, raising chickens, and nurturing an impressive vegetable garden.
Michael was a U of W Master Gardener, enjoyed playing classical piano and studied flamenco guitar. Not only having a green thumb and inspiring musical talent, Michael was fascinated with the world around him. His passions throughout the years included curing olives, making prosciutto, card-weaving, and designing ornaments out of seaweed. He was an avid reader, swimmer, and was proficient in knot-tying.
Michael is survived by his wife of 15 years, Martha Marie Read of Aberdeen; son, David Christopher Read of Barcelona, Spain; daughter, Sharon Read Landis of Arvada, CO; step-son, Daniel Kyle Anguilm of Hollister, CA; step-daughter, Ashlee Anne Anguilm of Prunedale, CA; brothers, Patrick Read of Monterey, CA and Samuel Read of Carmel Valley, CA; sisters, Terry Kvenild of Santa Cruz, CA, Leslie Weseman of Santa Cruz, CA, and Sidney Schallert of Santa Rosa, CA; step-grandchildren, David Anguilm, Austin Dillard and Donovan Anguilm. He was preceded in death by his daughter Esther Read. He was very loved and very content at the end of his life.
An open house memorial will be held Thursday April 29th, 1-3PM, at 2100 Bay Ave in Aberdeen. Face coverings will be worn and social distancing will be observed.
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