Michael Wade Rounds I

Michael Wade Rounds I, 68, met his Savior Jesus Christ face to face at 10:59 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, when he left this world from Spokane’s Deaconess Hospital. Michael’s beloved wife – Rachel and their family were by his side to witness Michael’s Home-going.

The only son of Edwin Bud and Josephine Louise (Landergreen) Rounds, Michael was born September 24, 1944, in Seattle, Washington. Twenty-two years to the day that he entered this world, Michael received his best ever birthday gift, when he wed lovely young Rachel Antioquia, on September 24, 1968. About which he would jokingly warn others, “don’t get married on your birthday, for you will never again get to celebrate your birthday.”

Always proud of his heritage as a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Michael enjoyed dancing at powwows and especially teaching children to dance. He worked for the Seattle School District where he specialized in Native American Education and as a Home School Coordinator. Following his retirement, Michael and his family moved to Elmer City, Wash., soon becoming a favorite of the Sunday School children whom he lovingly taught at Electric City’s Faith Community Church. Eager to continue positively influencing the next generation, Michael returned to sharing Native American Culture and Traditions within schools, only now it was in the middle schools of his own beloved Colville Reservation.

Founder and president of the “Boys Club of Loomis” and avid football fan, Michael was the honorary 12th man on the Lake Roosevelt High School squad, well known by all for his chant of “HIT SOMEBODY!” Also a fan who attended many games of the former Seattle Sonics basketball team, Michael was known for his great sense of humor and loved fishing, hunting, camping and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Predeceased by both his parents and his sister Cherylin Smith; Michael’s legacy lives on through his God-Given partner of 44 years Rachel Rounds; children: Patricia Lynn Rounds, Corina Marie Valdez (Christopher), Ramona Jo Rounds, Katrina Rae Rounds, Shannon Ahona Rounds, and Michael Wade Rounds II; grandchildren: Tiana, Tristan, Trey and Trinity Valdez and S’Noviah, Michael Ray, Lillian, Joseph and Gabriel Rounds; sister Patricia Antioquia and too many nephews and nieces to list.

An account has been established to help Michael’s family defray the costs of his medical expenses. Contributions may be made to the Michael Rounds Fund Account at any Bank of America branch.

A celebration of Michael’s life was held Sunday Feb. 10, 2013, at Faith Community Church in Electric City. Burial will take place in Loomis Cemetery. An on-line register book is available at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com . Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is honored to be serving Michael’s family.