Michael Kale McKinnis

Michael Kale McKinnis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, engineer, inventor, and man of faith, passed away peacefully at his home in Chehalis, Washington, on June 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

Michael was born on August 22, 1938, in Kelso, Washington, to Chester Kale McKinnis and Edith Louise McKinnis (née Thompson). He grew up in Southwest Washington and graduated from R.A. Long High School in Longview in 1956. He continued his education at Lower Columbia College, earning certificates in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, laying the foundation for a remarkable career defined by innovation, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Michael served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1960 at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, and later in the United States Air Force Reserve at McChord Air Force Base from 1961 to 1964.

Michael's professional life was a reflection of one of the enduring values of his Scottish MacInnis heritage: the clan motto E labore dulcedo, translated "In work, joy." For him, his profession was never merely a means to an end. He genuinely loved the process of discovery, invention, and problem-solving. He began his career with Longview Fiber and later joined Weyerhaeuser, where he spent more than 45 years in Research and Development. Throughout his career, he authored 16 issued patents covering a range of innovations and became one of Weyerhaeuser's longest-tenured employees. Those who worked alongside him knew him as a gifted engineer whose breadth of knowledge, creativity, and perseverance enabled him to solve extraordinarily complex problems.

After coming to faith in Christ in 1974, Michael experienced a profound transformation that shaped the rest of his life. His relationship with Jesus Christ became the foundation of who he was and guided the way he lived, loved, worked, and served others. Grateful for the grace and salvation he had found, Michael faithfully shared the Good News with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone willing to listen. Sharing his faith was not merely something he did—it was a defining part of who he was. Even during his final illness, he spoke with nurses, doctors, and caregivers about the hope he had found in Christ. His deepest desire was that others would come to know Jesus and experience the same hope that had transformed his life.

In September 1976, Michael married the love of his life, Dyan McKinnis (née Phelps). For 50 years, their marriage was marked by unwavering devotion, fortitude, partnership, faith in Christ, and love. Together they built a family that became the center of Michael's life.

In 1981, on nothing more than a handshake, Michael purchased ten acres overlooking the Newaukum Valley near Chehalis. There he and Dyan built the home that would become known simply as "The Farm." Over the following decades, Michael poured himself into building the house, barns, gardens, and grounds alongside his wife and family. More than a place to live, The Farm became a reflection of the life he believed in—a place where hard work produces beauty, where family gathers, and where friends always find a warm welcome. The satisfaction and joy Michael found in meaningful work can still be seen in every corner of the home and property he created.

Michael found joy in working with his hands and learning new skills. He was an avid antique tractor and machinery enthusiast and spent countless hours in his shop, where he excelled in woodworking, metalworking, and mechanical projects. In his younger years, he enjoyed skiing, mountaineering, hunting, and fishing, and he was active in the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Posse.

To those who knew him, Michael was much more than his accomplishments. He was deeply devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He embodied ingenuity, perseverance, faith, and an extraordinary work ethic. Though naturally gifted and highly accomplished, he carried himself with humility. He possessed a unique ability to draw people in with wisdom, humor, grace, and genuine interest in their lives. His influence extended well beyond his family to friends, coworkers, neighbors, and nearly everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Michael is survived by his wife, Dyan McKinnis; his three children and their families: Jason McKinnis, his wife, Jill, and their daughter, Serafina; Molly Verduzco, her husband, Sal, and her sons, Jordan Flynn and Zachary Flynn, his wife, Stephanie, and their children, Grady and Millie; and Carrie Granados, her husband, Fredrick, and their children, Kyler, his wife, Cadence, and McKale. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Sherrell, and her husband, Gary.

Michael's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, the innovations he created, and the example he set. He was loved deeply, respected widely, and will be remembered always.

Well done, good and faithful servant.