Artist Michael Schafbuch passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023. He was 64. A devoted and beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, he will be greatly missed.

Michael was born to Mick and Susan Schafbuch on November 11, 1959, in La Jolla, California, while his father was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was raised primarily in Denver along with his three brothers: Joseph, Tim, and Paul. After a mostly Catholic education, Michael graduated from University of Oregon in 1983.

Among Michael's passions was ice hockey. He first stepped onto an ice-skating rink when only eight and continued to skate until just before his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in January. His wife, Sue, loved being in the stands cheering on her husband and his team.

He was competitive in all aspects of his life but, as one got to know him, one was struck by his incredible calm, loving, and nurturing character. He was completely selfless in every aspect of his life. He will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and willingness to give of his time.

As a young married father, his focus was to raise the very best children. He and his first wife, Maureen Howard, were blessed with two incredible sons, Christopher and Matthew.  Michael was completely supportive of Maureen's law career. He understood that her profession required long hours and was proud to support her in her career. During their thirty-year marriage, Michael tended to their children's meals, art projects, and carpooling all the while maintaining a demanding career as an advertising sales executive for Seattle's KIRO television.

Michael retired to pursue his love of art. In his new studio in Gig Harbor, he worked on geometric painting populated with tile-like applications of bright-colored paint. He and his sister-in-law, Maria Kernahan, operated a publishing company that brought out more than a dozen children's books and calendars featuring Michael's vivid, design-centric illustrations along with a text comprising whimsical rhymes. In S is for Seattle, for example, young readers are introduced to the city's iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle and the Public Market. The series continues to be sold in bookstores across the country.

Michael adored being in nature and looked forward to an annual camping trip where he would camp and hunt for that perfect spot along a river for catch and release fishing. He was truly delighted to be in a stream, with his waders on and a fly-fishing pole in his hand, hoping to hook that elusive trout. He was a masterful camper and shared that love with his wife Sue, who accompanied him on these adventures. Michael would say, don't pass up the opportunity for an adventure, travel and eat cake, especially chocolate!

Michael was happiest in the company of family. He adored his four grandchildren, Miles and Chloe Schafbuch, and Elliott and Ruby Carlson. He was night nurse for Miles in New York City and had it not been for his illness, he would have done the same for baby Chloe.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Sue Schafbuch; his son Christopher Schafbuch and his wife Mona Shin, and their children Miles and Chloe; his son Matthew; his first wife Maureen Howard and her husband David Callahan; his stepdaughter, Kelsey Carlson, her husband Bob Carlson, and their children Elliott and Ruby; his brother Joseph Schafbuch and his wife Nikki Schafbuch; his brother Tim Schafbuch and his wife Amy Schafbuch; and, his brother Paul Schafbuch and his wife Kimberly Schafbuch;  Michael shared a special relationship with his nieces and nephews and his Aunt Glenna of Denver as well as sister-in-law, Jan Cunningham.

Michael had so many groups of friends that several memorial services are planned for Seattle, Napa and Boise. The celebration of his life for Seattle will be held February 24th.  Contact elliottvineyard@gmail.com for further details.  In lieu of flowers, please perform random acts of kindness in Michael's memory.