Michael Kenneth Gaines

August 16, 1957 - December 26, 2005

Michael Kenneth Gaines August 16, 1957 ~ December 26, 2005 Michael Kenneth Gaines of Salem, Oregon, birth name Michael Kenneth Bright, was the third child born to John Kenneth and Marilyn Jean Bright, August 16, 1957 in Hoppstradten, Ortsteil NEUBRUCKE, IM-Amerikanischen Hospital Germany while his dad serviced in the United States Army. Michael Gaines grew up in Yakima and Portland, graduating from Benson Tech in 1976. He was first employed at Demarche State Hospital then Good Samaritan Hospital as an aid. On September 14, 1982 Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Robert E Perry, where he performed the duties of boiler-technician and fireman, until August 8th, 1986. This last 18 years, Michael worked at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon. Family was very important to Michael and he was always involved with his own. He had a heart as big as all outdoors and was very happy when he met his future wife, Katheryn Tritt. They were very much in love and held to the fact they were the loves of each others lives, they married October 15th 2002. Michael was a loving and devoted husband to Kathy, who survives his death Monday, December 26th 2005 from heart complications; he passed away at 12:39 a.m. at the age of 48 while a patient at Salem Memorial Hospital. Michael's passion -- his babies, two Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Klondike and Chillicothe; Mike loved his animals enjoying walks and taking swimming trips. Another passion -- cooking, he made a real feast for the family, he put his heart into the things he loved to do. He played guitar so well we novices were jealous. He was sensitive, loving and forgiving in spirit, children in the family he always delighted in and cared about, he was very generous to them. He loved and respected his step father, Robert Bob Gaines, he asked permission to change his last name as a tribute to the man, Mike called his father thus becoming Michael Kenneth Gaines. We will miss you, brother, son and friend. Michael Kenneth Gaines is survived by his wife Katheryn , his mother, Marilyn Gaines, his brother, Sean Edwards, his sisters, Donna Reed, Karen Reed and Peggy Bishop Memorial services will be held, Thursday, December 29, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. the Ash Creek Bible Church, Monmouth, Oregon. Arrangements Entrusted to Farnstrom Mortuary, Independence.