Michael Pierce Ovenell went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2009, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was 73 years young. Michael was born March 6, 1935 to Skagit Valley pioneers, Frederick J. and Olive B. Peterson-Ovenell. He was a lifelong Burlington resident, living a short period as a child in Gig Harbor, WA. He attended Burlington schools, graduating with the BEHS class of 1953, of which he was so proud. He was a gifted athlete, excelling mostly in basketball and golf. Besides being an Elks Hoop-shoot state champion, making 49 out of 50 shots as a kid, he had the honor of being a member of the BEHS '51 & '52 basketball team that played in the state tournament at Hec-Ed Pavilion, serving as captain his senior year. He was also on Burlington's first golf team, a game he thoroughly enjoyed and continued playing into retirement. Michael continued playing basketball while attending Skagit Valley College, taking his game to a new level. Mick then enlisted in the Army. He was able to serve his country while extensively touring Europe, a visit well documented with many pictures and memories to last a lifetime. Upon discharge, he returned to Skagit Valley College graduating as the first male LPN nurse in their history. It was there that he met his love, Joanne M. Ammeter, joining in their 26 year marriage and raising three children. Mike and Joanne also took over operation of the Ovenell Nursing Home, started by his mother in 1948. Michael was well-known for his dedication to his nursing practice as well as his sincere compassion and thoughtfulness while caring for his patients. Joanne was with him throughout this journey until she sadly passed in 1983. Upon retirement, Michael took his interest of landscaping to a small business as "Mr. Greenknees". Being a master gardener, he could make any plant look like a sculpture. He also enjoyed restoring vintage automobiles. His favorite pastime was his grandchildren, never missing school activities or sporting events. He was very proud that they continued his Burlington sports legacy~GO TIGERS! Michael was a very spiritual man and attended His Place Foursquare Church since its beginning. It was then that he met and married Arla Rae Beatty. They were married for 12 happy years. Michael was a life member and past master of the Masonic Lodge #93, Noble member of the Nile Temple, American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Skagit Golf and CC, and a 50+ year active LPN returning to the Ovenell Home in 2004. He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne and her parents, Johnny and Marguerita Ammeter, his parents, and an infant brother. He is survived by daughter Julie Ovenell, daughter Debra & John Zimmermann, son Michael R. and Nola Ovenell, brother Jack & Colleen Ovenell, Seattle, sister-in-law Janice & Joe Benston, grandchildren Aaron & Sunrise Zimmermann, Tony Zimmermann, Nicole Zimmermann, Cory Brown, Hayley Brown, Ian Ovenell, and Caitlyn Ovenell, great-grandchildren Kaden and Xander Zimmermann. And numerous nieces and nephews Dad, Grandpa, we will always miss the way you took time for others and were always there for us throughout our lives, setting your own problems to the side. We will remember that "All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us". Memorials may be made in Michael's name to His Place Church. Viewing will be held Monday, January 12, 2008, 9:00am until 7:00pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday January 13, 2008, 1:00pm at His Place Church 1480 S. Burlington Blvd. in Burlington. A private family and friends Graveside Service will be held at Hawthorne Memorial Park.