"Ignore this is a test"
In loving memory of
Michael Joseph Tuohy
April 30, 1939 - July 24, 2025
Michael (Mike) Joseph Tuohy passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 86, in Bellevue, WA due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
Beloved husband of Pat (Reeves) Tuohy, celebrating 61 years of marriage; loving father of Mike (Elizabeth) and Chris (Kari); cherished grandfather of Kate, Jacob, Ryan, and Megan; dear brother of Peggy Thivierge and Patricia Hackett (Bob); cherished uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor to many. Preceding him in death were his parents, Mike and Kay Tuohy, and his brother, Vincent Tuohy.
Mike was born on April 30, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY. After primary and secondary school in Brooklyn, Mike earned an undergraduate Pharmacy degree from St. John's University, and a Master of Hospital Administration degree from the University of Michigan.
His trademark tenacity accounts for his acceptance into the Michigan program -- after an initial decline he flew from New Mexico to Ann Arbor to meet the director and advocate for his admission. Mike graduated at the top of his Michigan class.
Mike was devoted to his family and deeply valued time with his grandchildren. He fostered and invested in their education. He piqued their curiosity through shared hobbies, countless games of Rumikub, summer cousins camp, and cabin rituals. He told stories of his beloved Irish ancestry and hosted family trips filled with history lessons and adventure.
Mike's grandchildren will forever remember the "rules" he established during their middle and high school years, as well as his infamous idioms: Who told you life is fair?; Everything is negotiable.; They can't say no until you ask.
As a first generation American, Mike was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. He stayed connected to and visited relatives in Ireland, dedicated many hours to genealogy research, enjoyed a pint or two of stout, and always wore green on St. Patick's Day.
Beyond spending time with family, Mike enjoyed reading, photography, crossword puzzles and, most enthusiastically, stamp collecting.
After college, Mike spent ten years with the Public Health Service, Indian Health Division, serving as a pharmacist and later as hospital administrator on Navajo (Tohatchi & Gallup, NM), Paiute Shoshone (Owyhee, NV), and Chippewa (Red Lake, MN) Reservations. He regarded this service as one of his most meaningful achievements.
Mike's dedication and leadership defined his distinguished career in hospital administration. He served as Assistant Hospital Administrator at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA; Hospital Administrator St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, NV; Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, WA; and Kennewick General Hospital in Kennewick, WA. He also served on the Board of many health organizations, including the Western Hospital Association, Washington State Hospital Association, Tri-Cities Community Health Board, Tri-Cities Cancer Center, and Hospice.
Devoted to service, Mike dedicated time and energy to numerous projects as a Rotarian for over forty years. He lived the Rotary mission of "Service Before Self" and his altruistic spirit manifested in Rotary projects locally (as club president and assistant district governor) and globally, including participating in a Rotary club exchange with Vladivostok, Russia, co-sponsoring partner projects with Colima and Tepic Mexico Rotary clubs, leading young professionals on a Central America Rotary project, and volunteering as "the Drug Guy" (aka pharmacist) with Belize healthcare teams.
Mike was one of a kind - a wise, intelligent visionary with a thirst for knowledge. He had a dry sense of humor, could be stubborn and brusque, and did not refrain from speaking his mind. He accepted any challenge regardless of the opposition. Most importantly, he saw the potential and believed in the best of others.
Mike's passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of his family. Comfort comes in knowing that he lived boldy, that he improved the lives of those he loved and countless others, and that his love and legacy will live on.
The Tuohy family expresses their deepest gratitude to all who have shared their love, prayers, support, and words of encouragement during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Columbia Center Rotary Foundation (Kennewick, WA) or the charity of your choice in Mike's name.