Michael Henry McCauley

After a long illness, Michael Henry McCauley passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 2, 2017. His wife and soul mate, Ruth L. McCauley, was by his side. Mike was born in Boston on April 7, 1948, to Henry J. and Claire M. (Madden) McCauley. He lived in Boston until he joined the Marine Corps in 1967, where he served with distinction during the Vietnam War. Mike was a member of Bravo Company and valiantly fought during the 77-day siege at the battle of Khe Sahn. Mike was a true patriot and American hero, earning several medals, including a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, and a National Defense Service Medal. Mike maintained a meaningful, lifelong brotherhood with his fellow Khe Sahn veterans, and proudly participated in the making of Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor, a film documenting the battle at Khe Sahn. After leaving active duty, Mike lived and worked in Baltimore before moving to northern California. He pursued his education at Sonoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. In 1990, Mike met his best friend and the love of his life, Ruth. At the time, Mike didn’t realize he was an animal lover, but what he did know is that Ruth was a package deal – she came with kitties Maggie and Cleo. In 1994, all four moved to Washington, settling in rural Olympia. Mike and Ruth enjoyed traveling and, together, explored the United States from Alaska to Hawaii, and everywhere in between. In 1995, they got married in Honolulu, one of their favorite destinations. Mike and Ruth’s family – and Mike’s love of animals – grew with the addition of Stella, Jack, Girlie, Angie and Beauty Mark. Mike and Ruth have been with each other through thick and thin, including Mike’s struggle with the traumas of Vietnam and a serious head injury to Ruth shortly after she retired. These strengthened and deepened their love and commitment to each other and they renewed their vows in June 2014 at the Capitol Rotunda in Olympia. Although Mike settled in Washington, he was a Boston sports fan through and through. He was elated when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 after a long drought dating back to 1918. He has been an avid fan of his beloved New England Patriots and has agonized through several close games that created a lot of anxiety until they culminated in many Super Bowl wins. Mike was an expert marksman, an avid woodworker and master whittler. Mike loved to make wood-carved gifts for people, and those who received one could see his remarkable craftsmanship. His projects were meticulous, but all compliments were passed to someone else. “Thanks, but I hadda lotta help of with that,” he’d simply say. Mike also had a terrific sense of humor, and would go to any lengths to pull off a good joke. He mailed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to Idaho, gigantic pancakes and a barrel of peanuts to Texas, and a teeny Mexican sombrero to Boston, for a teeny Mexican Chihuahua – all for a good laugh. He enjoyed making people happy. He was silly, fun and funny. He was thoughtful and generous. He was loving and kind. When Mike loved, he loved deeply. Mike was the second of 12 children. In addition to his wife, Ruth, he is survived by his older brother, Larry; his sisters, Marie, Claire (Brennan), Patricia (Burdick), Mary; and his younger brothers, Joseph and James Deibel. Mike was predeceased by his parents and stepfather, Joseph Deibel, Sr.; as well as his younger brothers, Edward, Robert, Barry and Garry. He is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews. Mike was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Please leave memories of Mike or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.