Freeman Orcutt Michkils ’42

Mike, a brilliant dropout who was successful in love and ultimately in his career and retirement, died Jan. 8, 2005, of Lou Gehrig's disease in Shoreline, Wash.

Entering Princeton from Lakeside School in Seattle, Mike displayed his talents in math. A Lyman Biddle Scholar in his sophomore year, he was advanced to senior standing at the start of his junior year. Nevertheless, Mike left Princeton to work in New York City and marry Elizabeth "Bette" Beardsley, the reason for his resigning from Princeton and contributing to the World War II effort as a welder, electrician, production engineer, and war production training instructor.

Mike truly enjoyed his career in construction, design, and real estate development as owner of Freeman Michkils Co. in Bellevue, Wash. He called it an "opportunity for competitive, creative, tangible endeavor — always fun." His business achievements allowed Mike to retire in 1968 and enjoy his family.

Mike and Bette retired in style: They sailed the northwest and Canadian waters in their yacht, and cruised much of the world's waters in freighters and passenger ships.

To Bette, Mike's "best friend" for 63 wonderful years; daughters Sue Parker and Caroline Holmes; grandsons Rick and Michael; and great-granddaughters Naomi and Hannah, the class expresses its deepest condolences.

The Class of 1942