Michael Dean Golden

Michael Dean Golden, 67, of Puyallup Washington, passed away on July 25, 2026. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, and colleague, and he will be greatly missed.

Mike was born on October 30th, 1958, in Edina, Missouri, to parents Carl Dean Golden and Louise I. (Taylor) Ellison. He was raised in rural Missouri and Washington state with his three sisters, near farms and orchards, helping the family to pick fruit at a young age. Later, he moved to the Puget Sound area, where he spent the rest of his life surrounded by evergreen trees, inlet waters, and the drizzle of cool rain. Mike discovered a passion for music, theater, and sports in his teenage years, balancing academics and extracurriculars, while supporting his family in hard times. Mike graduated from Fife High School in 1977.

Mike was the devoted father of his only son, Jason, whom he raised alongside Jason’s mother, Cheri, in Federal Way, WA. He later welcomed a daughter-in-law when Jason married Nora, and became Grandpa to his only grandson, Marshall. As a young adult, Mike started a career in road maintenance at the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT), a craft he would master over 44 years, rising to Superintendent for Northwest Area 4. He was known for his expert attention to detail on thousands of lane miles in King County, clever solutions for long-running problems, bravery with the vactor truck and snow plow, and mentoring the next generation of techs and leaders. Outside of his day job, Mike also spent many years remodeling homes and performing handyman work on the side.

Mike will be remembered for his diverse interests and mastery of craft: home improvement, classic cars, history books, model vehicle kits, baseball, loyal pets, walks in nature, coastal beach road trips, the occasional fine whiskey, and a sense of wonder for the new and unfamiliar. He will also be remembered for his warm eyes, engaging conversation, working ahead, and trying to see through his commitments to others.

Mike is survived by his son Jason Golden (Nora) and grandson Marshall of Denver Colorado, sisters Patricia Harmon and Christie Baklund, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Carl Dean Golden, his mother and stepfather Louise I. (Taylor) and Elmore Ellison, and sister Annette Backman.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August, 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home. 302 W. Pioneer Ave Puyallup, WA 98371.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be designated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for the Cancer Research fund “In Memory Of” Michael Golden, for Cancer Research. Please donate online at https://www.fredhutch.org/en/ways-to-give/direct-giving/honor-memorial-tribute-giving.html or by mail to Fred Hutch, 1100 Fairview Ave N. Mail Stop LG-400 Seattle, WA 98109-1024. Please make sure to include Mike Golden’s name when sending in the donation.