CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Rodney (Mike) Earnest came to Alki Point in 1927 when he was five years old. He grew up with a love of the winds, the tides and sailing. He and neighbor boys built and raced sailboats, learning skills that influenced their lives.

Mike bid a final farewell to Alki on Wednesday, August 1st.

He is survived by his wife Natalie (Penny); his three children Conrad, Matthew, and Greta; and two grandchildren, Miles and Clara.

Penny and Mike spent 40 years in Woodstock, New York where they raised their family in the Catskill Mountains. His legacy is the construction of over one hundred private homes, each different. Clients would bring sketches of their dream homes and Mike could turn them into reality. They were built with conscientious attention to light, materials and detail. He gave special attention to making the house that would best suit the vision and lifestyles of its future occupants.

Long missing his boyhood presence alongside the water, Mike and Penny moved back to Alki in 1985 where he and their son, Matthew built their present home on Point Place.

Mike was known for his strong character, gentle spirit and love of Scandinavian design. He will be missed by all that knew him. His friends remember his sailing quote and general philosophy:

"THE WIND NEVER BLOWS IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. YOU JUST HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO USE IT!"

Mike is the son of Reland Earnest Miles and Rodney C. Earnest, Sr. He is predeceased by his sister, Ria Michael.