Families are Forever

Note: This post is mainly for my family record - since I am planning to print my past blog posts as a journal.

My heart has been heavy since learning a dear friend lost her husband the day after Easter. His obituary just came out in the Kitsap Sun (my hometown newspaper). It is so beautifully written. My perspective on life - and what matters most - has shifted. I hadn't realized I was off, but I was. Money-Schmoney! Who cares that my house is dirty? Too bad about loosing jobs, but so what? My family is so precious and they will be mine forever.

Michael Summerhays Pitcher

of Bremerton

July 14, 1979

to April 5, 2010

Bremerton resident and local business owner Michael Summerhays Pitcher, loving husband and father, returned home to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on April 5, 2010. He suffered fatal injuries as the result of a fall from a tree he had just limbed. Gratefully, his passing was brief and pain-free.

He was born July 14, 1979 in Bremerton, Washington, to Frank Lee and Sandra Summerhays Pitcher. Michael loved animals, once aspiring to be a veterinarian. On one occasion he surprised his mother by bringing home a lost parrot. As a youth he enjoyed playing soccer, t-ball, basketball, baseball, and eventually played for the Olympic High School soccer team. He graduated from Olympic High School in 1997 as a Trojan Scholar and was an Eagle Scout. Following his graduation he faithfully served a two-year proselyting and service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Antofagasta, Chile. He married his high school sweetheart, Tabitha Hill, daughter of Charles and Penny Hill on May 26th, 2001, in the Seattle Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had one son, Matthew Frank Hill Pitcher. Tabitha preceded Michael in death on December 1st, 2002.

Michael was blessed to find love once again and married Michelle Claire Hoyle of Kingston, daughter of Gary and Jolayne Kearns Hoyle currently of Santaquin, UT on August 9th, 2003 in the Seattle Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Michael enjoyed playing the piano and singing with his wife Michelle. He served as his church’s congregational organist, as the primary children’s pianist, and was an active participant in the choir. He also played the trumpet and loved to dance.

He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Management, even representing the university at national arborist competitions. He was a Certified Arborist, Aqua Certified, Certified Applicator, was a member of the International Society of Arboriculture. He owned Allstar Landscape Services LLC also known as Allstar Tree and Landscape. Michael was a member of the Silverdale BNI business networking group which association brought a great deal of encouragement and camaraderie. He loved his work and enjoyed the beauties of nature. He was at home with trees. He was grateful that the community appreciated his hard work in all types of weather.

His eternal perspective and faith in families being forever guided him in all he did. For these reasons he made eternal covenants in the LDS temple which bind families together for time and all eternity and he kept his covenants. Michael was always concerned about others more than himself and loved to be of service. The three biggest priorities of Michael’s life were family, faith, and his profession. He was successful in all. He had an engaging personality, a happy heart, and a bright smile which lit up the room. He accomplished much in such a short time and will be missed by many. He was well loved by all members of his extended family and numerous friends.

He is survived by his wife Michelle Claire Hoyle Pitcher and children Matthew, 7, Cayden, 5, Ashlynn, 4, and Wesley, 1; parents Frank Lee and Sandy Pitcher of Bremerton; sisters Allison (David) Norman of Clearfield UT, Marianne (Steve) Asay of Quincy WA, Emilee (Nathan) Cleaver of Poulsbo WA Sarah (Joseph) Keyes of Oak Harbor WA and brother Mark (Jessica) Pitcher of Provo UT. Preceding him in death were his wife Tabitha Hill Pitcher and brother Frank Summerhays Pitcher.

There will be a public viewing held at 12 noon Saturday April 17 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Silverdale Stake Center, 9256 Nels Nelson Road NW (north of the Kitsap County Fairgrounds) with a memorial service at 1 p.m. The public is invited. Interment will be at Miller-Woodlawn Cemetery in Bremerton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made on behalf of Michelle and the children to the Michael Pitcher Memorial Fund at any branch of Wells Fargo or Wachovia. Please e-mail any memories of Michael to aimers23@yahoo.com or mail them to Amy Allen at 3822 S 8140 W Magna, UT 84044 by April 30th to be compiled into a memory book for the children.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/apr/12/michael-summerhays-pitcher-30/?cid=Facebook#ixzz0l0Lo6nX3