Michael John Jurich

Obituary Michael J. Jurich October 18, 1922 ~ October 20, 2013 Dad died suddenly of heart failure due to an acute allergic anaphylactic shock two days after his 91st birthday. He was born in Hoquiam, Washington to George and Lucille Jurich. He attended St. Patrick's grade school and Bellarmine Preparatory School. Upon the breakout of WWII, he joined the Navy and was a member of the UDT team where he earned the Bronze Star in the Pacific Theater. Returning home, he resumed his Croatian family heritage of commercial fishing, spending many seasons in the Alaskan waters. Later he entered the construction industry from where he retired. He was a humble man with minimal needs and wants, but had a large, large heart. He consistently dropped everything at a moment's notice to help not only his family but also his many friends. His grandchildren were his biggest delight with whom he and mom spent endless babysitting hours spread over many years. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Agnes. Dad visited her every day until his last at the Alzheimer's wing at The Weatherly Inn, where he would feed her and continually offer comfort and forgotten memories. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Ann Brennan (Bill), Susan Ann Elwell (Tom); son, Michael (Paula); six grandchildren, Alex & Bryan Elwell, Kelsey & Randy (Jossalyn) Brennan, Lynn Jurich-Murray (Brad) and Tracy Krilich (Mike); one great-grandchild, Cameron Krilich and a second great-grandchild due in March. He is also survived by his sisters, Minnie Huntsman, Lucille (Ron) Bullatt; brother, George (Teri); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine Puratich. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 10:00am at Bellarmine St. Aloysius Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Holy Cross Catholic Parish or Bellarmine Preparatory School. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.