Michael Willard Denton

Sublimity- Mike was born to Mary Ann (Brown) Denton and James Willard Denton in Bremerton, Washington on October 11, 1942, and died of cancer on September 3, 2020.  Mike is survived by his two sisters Shelley Winne of Livermore, Colorado and Shannon Rutherford of Washougal, Washington; his three children Michele Suarez of Salem, Oregon, Becky Hasel of Sheridan, Oregon, and James Denton of Sheridan, Oregon; eight grandchildren: Trey, Cristina, Jacob, Gregorio, Kylie, Hannah, Ian, and Lily; and four great grandchildren.   In 1943 when his father was drafted into the Army Air Corp, his mother moved Mike to Oregon and the family estate on Brown Road, off Salt Creek Flats.  When World War II ended, the family remained in Oregon, where Mike and his three sisters, Pamela Jo, Shelley Helen, and Shannon Avis grew up.  Mike graduated from Sheridan High School in June 1960.  He enlisted in the Navy in April 1961 and retired in April 1981.  Mike’s service was exemplary throughout his career, receiving many letters of appreciation and commendation. He was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal and the Distinguished Service Commendation Medal, the highest non-combat medal in the military.  In April 1982, Mike returned to the Navy as a civilian. He started as a GS-4 Clerk Typist and attained the rank of GS-13 Supervisory Management Analyst, retiring again from the Navy in April 2002.  During his tenure he received many letters of commendation and appreciation, and he was awarded the Civilian Service Excellence Award for his involvement in a five Naval base consolidation  and reorganization effort in the Puget Sound area.  After his 40-year stint with the Navy, Mike worked a few years as a property manager for Windamere Realty, and as an estimator for a local general contractor.  Mike and his beloved bride Peggy lived on Hood Canal in Washington for 35 years.  He loved to fish - including crabbing, shrimping and clamming on the canal. He also loved deer and elk hunting, and camping in the Cascade Mountains with his hunting buddies.  He and Peggy moved to Sublimity from Poulsbo, Washington in Jun 2016, where they resided at Marian Estates Retirement Community.  Mike was instrumental in setting up a non-profit company at Marian Estates, and he was heavily involved in enhancing the quality of life for their residents.   Mike and Peggy made many good friends at Marian Estates, and they came to love the area immensely.  Mike said he intends on finding Peggy when he passes and is sure she will be in a mall somewhere buying shoes.  We wish him all the best in his search.  Mike – beloved brother, husband and father - will be sorely missed. In lieu of flower we would like donations sent to: Stayton Moose Lodge 352 East Florence St., Stayton OR 97383  Or  Marion Estates Auxiliary. Checks can be made payable to Sublimity Community Auxiliary. Mailed to P.O. Box 81 Sublimity OR 97385