Preston Donald Michie left us suddenly and way too soon on April 12, 2022 at the age of 73. Preston was born May 14, 1948 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk. He was the eldest of five children born to Donald Leslie Michie (deceased) and (Carrie) Elizabeth (Herman) Michie (deceased) of Harshaw.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Delbert (Bonville) Michie, and two daughters, Tara Erin (Michie) Nelson, Tim Nelson, of Portland, Ore. and Erica Michie, Matthew Hunter of Chicago, and two grandchildren Elizabeth and Avery Nelson, of Tara and Tim.
Surviving siblings include, Bruce Michie of Oshkosh, Heather (Michie) Nestle of Poplarville, Miss., Carolyn (Michie) Belton, and Dana Belton of West Allis, and Douglas Michie and Roberta (Stonecypher) Michie of Harshaw.
Having graduated with the Science and Math award from Rhinelander Union High School in 1966, Preston was awarded a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned a B. S. in Chemistry.
He worked at the Brat Haus in Madison along with many other jobs to pay his way through college. He was captain of the UW fencing team. While working on a master's degree in Chemistry, Preston worked with cancer researchers at the University of Wisconsin synthesizing organic compounds for cancer research. In 1976 Preston moved his wife and young Tara to Portland, Ore. to attend Lewis and Clark Law School, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Environmental Law. He worked as a lawyer in government regulation for the Bonneville Power Administration in Oregon, had an MBA and managed our family investment club. His many hobbies include woodworking, photography, painting, cooking, gardening, beekeeping, travel, camping, basketball, and entertaining. Preston was involved in getting wind energy started in the Pacific Northwest, helping to set up Ridgeline Energy LLC which now provides wind energy to the Pacific Northwest and western United States. He was Corporate Counsel/Board Secretary/Treasurer from 2015-2019 for the Perlan Project Inc.
He loved good humor, people, exploring new places, staying active, and life itself.
Preston touched the lives of so many people in so many ways! He will be sorely missed by his beloved family, extended family, co-workers, and many, many friends.
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, May 8, 2022
Article comment by:
Keith Hartner
I spent many hours on the basketball court with Preston during BPA days. I never say Preston without a smile on his face. Preson was one of the good guys at BPA. Always a gentleman.
Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2022
Article comment by:
Abbey Nulph
Preston, you were an amazing human and will be missed in myriad ways, but I will most miss your excellent advice and your willingness to extend yourself to help everyone around you. You were tenacious and brilliant and I don't imagine I will meet another like you.
Preston's family, I can only imagine the hole in your lives and hope your many fond memories sustain you.
Posted: Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Article comment by:
KEN KANE
Preston was as positive and spirited a person as I have ever known. A great friend, golf partner, fellow bowler and Renaissance Man. He will be missed in Wisconsin and in Oregon.
Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2022
Article comment by:
DAVID SEDLAK
Ruhe in Frieden mein freund. Only Preston will understand this. We were good friends through High School.
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