March 5, 1933-September 27, 2019
Mike went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 27, 2019. He was born in Conway, WA March 5, 1933 to Harvey and Elise (Barnes) Galbraith. He grew up on a dairy farm and attended Conway and Mount Vernon schools, graduating in 1951. He attended Washington State College (later WSU) and earned a pharmacy degree in 1956. During this time he met the love of his life, JoAnn Walstrom of Bellingham, WA. They were married on August 26, 1955. After graduation, Mike took a job at Aubert’s Pharmacy in Bellingham. In 1958, Mike, John Aubert and Verle Jones bought the Blaine Drug Store and the family moved to Blaine. Mike went on to run the Blaine Pharmacy on his own for many years. He was active in his church, Grace Lutheran as well as in the community. He served on the Blaine Chamber of Commerce and was voted Man of the Year. He was a “hardy helper” always ready to lend a hand and supported many school and sports projects. He was a mentor to many young people either through working for him or just coming into the store to talk with him. He loved to hunt, fish, garden and spend time with his family. Mike and Jo developed lifelong friendships in Blaine and loved to socialize with their friends by playing pinochle, vacationing and serving on various committees and boards in town and at church. He was very proud of his children, Steve who followed him into pharmacy, Mark being an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church and daughter Marijo graduating from the Seattle Art Institute in Fashion Merchandising.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Donald and his brother Pat. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoAnn, children Steve (Kristi), Mark and Marijo. Grandchildren Andrew (Dan), Bryan (Danielle), Melissa (Dan), Naomi, Monica and great-grandchildren Daisy and Iris.
His family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff at Stafholt for their kind, compassionate care of Mike. You are truly wonderful.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest a donation to Hospice of Whatcom County.
A memorial service will be held October 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine. Please share memories of Mike at sigsfuneralservices.com.
