Obituary: Michael Woodside, 80, The Dalles
On January 23, 2024, The Dalles community lost one of its brightest stars that shone light everywhere he went. Michael Woodside, 80, passed peacefully with family at his side at his home in The Dalles.
Michael was born October 10, 1943, in The Dalles, Oregon to Vern Woodside and Jean (nee Woodcock) Woodside. His parents preceded him in death.
Mike made this community his lifelong home and embodied a welcoming approach. It was not uncommon to see how everyone he met became a fast friend when greeted by his big smile and huge personality.
He has always been a genuine person who stopped and listened when he asked how someone was doing, rarely talking about himself. One of his driving mantras has always been to live by the integrity of one’s character. He saw a person’s word as their bond. His mother taught him these principles, and Mike used them to grow into who he became as an ethical, caring person who touched many lives throughout the Gorge.
After graduating from Maupin High School, Mike earned an Associate degree in Accounting at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, where he played baseball. He pressed on with his education at Oregon State University, where he continued his love of baseball by serving as scorekeeper for the team.
Upon returning to the Gorge, he launched his first career in The Dalles within the banking field. Mike then transitioned into the real estate industry after discovering his love for this field. Since then, he has been a Real Estate Broker for more than 50 years. He started his career with Kargl, Elwood, and Geiger. When they closed, he went to work at Windemere Real Estate Columbia Gorge until his retirement.
Over the years, Mike has become known as a cherished community icon. Many people whose lives were touched by his generosity and kindness will gladly tell you that he has been a most loved and respected person within the community, and Mike often was the first person to step up and take care of others.
Living every day to the fullest, Mike shared his enthusiasm for the joy of life by meeting up with his beloved morning Coffee Group, cooking for others (including his famous meatloaf or cheesecakes), hand-making cradles for expectant co-workers, family, and friends, and happily acting as “Papa’s Taxi” for his beloved grandchildren, shuttling them between sports and school.
Mike is survived by his daughters Summer Woodside and her children Jameson Woodside and Keevan Kochis and daughter Tiffany Woodside and her children Lulu and Kaia Grasa, as well as several cherished nieces, nephews, and a beloved sister-in-law.
He is also survived by his former wife Marilyn (nee Brisbine) Woodside - they divorced in 1986. Mike was preceded in death by his brothers Tom Woodside and Bob Woodside.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a date TBD in March; for details, reach out to Summer Woodside who is coordinating the service. Interment of ashes was done.
Contributions in Mike’s memory can be made to The Dalles’ American Legion Hustlers Baseball Group, in which he had been involved for 30 years, or the Annual Pig Bowl, another cause that Mike held near and dear to his heart.
The family extends a special thank you to all of Mike’s friends who visited him during his illness. They provided comforting support during his final weeks. Additionally, many thanks are given to his caregiver Ashley Brace and Windemere Real Estate Columbia Gorge.
Mike’s legacy to everyone is to continuously be inspired to live every day fully, find a path for being of service and helping others, and live by the strength of one’s ethical character.
As Mike would always say "Be a one-hundred percenter". His daughter encourages everyone to live every day like Mike Woodside did.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
