Michael Gene Frost, 66, passed away December 31, 2016 at Whidbey Health Medical Center in Coupeville. He was born October 2, 1950 in Seattle, Washington. He was the only child of Russell and Betty (Wakefield) Frost. Mike grew up in various communities around Puget Sound and was a 1969 graduate of Coupeville High School. He also attended Skagit Valley College and Western Washington University.

Mike worked in the field of electronic design, running his own business for the last 30+ years. Before that, he worked with design teams at Phase Linear Corp. and was a part owner of Trace Engineering for a time. Mike was a man of great integrity and always sought out opportunities to expand his knowledge. In his career he designed many interesting and successful products for his clients. His kids called one of them the “Martian Light.” To quote a recent client, “He was always a source of brilliance and inspiration.”

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Mary Yake, on the beach at Ebey’s Landing in 1972. He was a loving father to their four children, helping them with school projects, especially math classes. He taught them how to use tools and accomplish a task. Mike and Mary worked together in the family business in Stanwood, later moving back to Whidbey, where they have lived for the last 27 years.

As a young man, Mike loved building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes. He was an enthusiastic bicyclist for a time. He could build or fix just about anything. With a little help from family, he built two large additions to the family home from the ground up. He grew up in a boating family, and at one point did a lot of local boat trips with his family in his 21’ Ranger.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding several leadership positions over the years. Mike earned his expert class ham radio license and actively participated in the Island County Amateur Radio Club. He served with the Red Cross on Whidbey Island, beginning as a ham radio operator and joining the DAT as team member and then leader. He loved to help people in any way he could in spite of his many health challenges.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters Melinda (Torsten) Lippoldt and Melanie (Josh) Camp, his sons Matt (Angela) and Mike (Stephanie), and 8 grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service January 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Oak Harbor. All are welcome to attend.

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