Obituary of Joe Cathey

Joe Michael "Mike" Cathey, age 74 died March 18, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born May 26, 1949, in Pasco, Washington, and ended up in the Sumner area where he called home for over 55 years.

Mike started working construction with his dad as a teenager and got a degree in construction management.  He continued to work in construction in many different capacities, working selflessly to provide for his family until he retired completely in 2023.

Mike had many different interests, but the most important was spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He loved watching them play sports and enjoyed their musical talents.  He had an incredible sense of humor and always had a joke or funny story to share.  His confident, but warm personality made every person he met feel like they were at home.  He loved World War 2 history and was thrilled when he was able to visit the beaches at Normandy.  He was very involved in giving back to the community.  He worked with the Pierce County Juvenile Diversion board, Sumner Rotary and  the Sumner Food bank.  He served as a Sumner/East Pierce Fire Commissioner for 26 years which led to involvement at the County and State level as well.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Bill and Oleeta and his brother Don.

Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Janine.  His children, daughter Shana(Scott) and their children, Nicolaus, Brittany, Scotty(TJ), son Anthony(Melissa) and their children, Evan(Daneeka), James(Emmaliesse), Lena(Zach), Caleb and Levi, daughter Stephanie(Tom) and their sons Thomas and Jack.and 6 Great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters Gayle(Doug) and Kim(Win).

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but will be remembered for all the love, laughter, and good memories that were shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

The Sumner Food bank or 

East Pierce Firefighters Benevolent Fund

PO Box 7500

Bonney Lake WA