Michael Lucius Obituary

Michael Paul "Mike" Lucius

Michael Paul "Mike" Lucius, 63, of Cle Elum, Washington passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2023. Mike was born to Louis Paul Lucius and Rose Marie (Miller) Lucius on February 13, 1960. He married Bev Osmonovich on July 20, 2013, in Cle Elum and she survives. He is also survived by his siblings, Connie (Dave) Bish, Dan Acree, Angie (Neil) Cliff, Laurie (Dave) Clouse, Shelly (Bernie) Steinmetz, Tom (Jody) Acree, and Scot (Elaine) Acree, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Robert Acree, nephew Ben Bish and sister-in-law, Cindy Acree.

Mike graduated from New Riegel High School in 1978. After working various jobs, he and his cousin Gary Lucius moved to the state of Washington originally to plant trees in areas cleared by lumberjacking and forest fires. His passion for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, compelled him to become a permanent resident there. After living in Issaquah, Washington for a time, he purchased his dream home in the Cascade Mountains in the (at the time) small lumberjacking town of Cle Elum.

In Cle Elum, Mike was employed by Frank Ragland and Pat Deneen of Central Cascade Construction/PQD Construction, Inc for 36 years in the excavation field. Mike also ran a hay baling business on his 10-acre farm. His friends knew him as "Mikey." He was a friend to everyone and always willing to lend a helping hand, the guy who would do anything for you. When you met him for the first time, it felt as if you'd always known him. It was in Cle Elum that he met Bev. The two of them meant the world to each other and they shared a passion for the outdoors. Mike and Bev raised many animals including horses, chickens, goats, dogs and cats.

In his home in the mountains, Mike always lived his best life. He worked for companies on the weekends taking visitors on horseback trips through the mountain trails and setting up hunting camps for hunters. He was skilled at packing and training horses and enjoyed rodeos. He was always a gracious host. Through the years his brothers and nephews would visit him for the summer. He loved to hunt and sleep under the stars. Mike never met a stranger and had a laugh that will never be forgotten.

Mike will be remembered in the intentions at the 10:00am Mass at All Saints Parish in New Riegel on Sunday, July 9th. A Celebration of Life Open House will take place following Mass in the Club Room at the New Riegel American Legion from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Close family and friends are welcome to attend Mass and the Celebration of Life. A second Celebration of Life will take place in Cle Elum at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to ARFF Animal Rescue, PO Box 670, Roslyn, WA 98941. Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com