Michael Robert Nixon

Michael Robert Nixon, 73, of Yakima, WA, passed away April 12, 2017 with his wife Mert by his side. He was born May 13, 1943 in Pasco, WA to Robert Alexander Nixon Jr. and Dorothy Katheleen (Ridely) Nixon.

Mike graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1961, and attended Whitworth College (University) where he received a BA in Sociology and Psychology. While in college he met and married his first wife, Nancy Kaufman from Monrovia, CA. They had two daughters, Trina and Christi. After college Mike worked as a Juvenile Parole Counselor and Supervisor in Tacoma. While in Tacoma he completed an MA with an emphasis in Criminology. In 1971, his family moved to Yakima and he spent the next 24 years as a Regional Administrator for Juvenile Rehab and Children & Family Services.

Mike married Mert Turner, of Selah, WA in 1999. They enjoyed spending time in Ocean Shores as well as a mutual satisfaction in tracking down family history.

After a total of 30 years working in the Juvenile Corrections and Children & Family Services, Mike retired from DSHS and became Director of Missions at First Presbyterian Church in Yakima. After 8 years, he became Executive Director for Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity. Finally in July of 2009 he retired, again. That retirement lasted a year and a half. He then became the Stated Clerk for Central Washington Presbytery and truly retired in June of 2016.

Mike was quite the traveler and enjoyed many opportunities to travel the globe. He made 10 trips to Thailand visiting his Thai brother and hiking in the Northern Hill Tribe area. Additionally, he was able to visit Indonesia, Mexico, Scotland, Wales, Great Britain, Ethiopia, Israel, Palestine, and Cuba. Mike had many opportunities to talk to Immigration and Customs about several of the countries he visited.

Mike is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mert; their 5 children: Trina Nixon, Christi Nixon, Shannon Walkenhauer, Kelly Way, and Tonjia Jones; his siblings: Becky St. John, Vira (Steve) Aroonvatanaporn, Kyle Nixon, and Anna Didrickson; 8 grandkids: MacKenzie, Michael, Catherine, Sunni, Erich, Brianna, Steven, and Ashlyn; 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members.

“Life has been rich. I feel blessed.” – Mike Nixon

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 PM, May 13, 2017 at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church, 9 S. 8th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Habitat for Humanity, The Union Gospel Mission, or Whitworth University.