Michael J. Kupfer passed away June 30, 2022, from advanced prostate cancer with his wife and daughters holding his hands at his bedside at home. He was 81 years old.

Mike was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, to Harry Kupfer and Winona Kupfer (Wright). Mike had a lot of fun growing up in Tacoma, playing pranks and getting into childhood mischief with his close friends and many cousins. He did well in school and was very dedicated. After graduating Lincoln High School, he worked part time at a local grocery store to put himself through school at University of Puget Sound (UPS), where he earned his degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Upon graduating from UPS, Mike was offered a job with General Electric at Hanford and relocated east of the mountains to the Tri-Cities in 1965.

Mike's work over the years at Hanford included working in the lab developing various processes to solidify the radioactive waste. He also authored/co-authored several scientific publications during his time there. Mike was given various job titles at Hanford as the government contract agencies changed or as he was promoted, but if asked what he did, he would always say he was a Chemist and that is what he wanted to be known as. Mike was a member of the American Chemical Society for many years. Mike also made several long friendships during his time at Hanford.

Soon after beginning his position at Hanford, Mike met his wife of over 55 years, Brenda (Minatoya). Mike said he first noticed Brenda in the Hanford bus lot while she was walking to catch a bus to the 200 West area, and although Mike worked in 200 East, he went over to the lab in 200 West where Brenda worked so he could meet her. They married at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and from this union Kristine and Lara were born. They resided in Kennewick.

Outside of work, Mike enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, going to the cabin in the Blue Mountains, listening to music with the volume turned way up, searching for edible mushrooms, classic cars, going to drag races, watching college basketball-especially WSU, family vacations, gardening (including buying more plants than could fit in the yard!), taking photos of forested areas and the differing vistas of Western and Eastern Washington, going to the ocean beaches, traveling in the US and internationally, being with family members, taking his beloved beagle Maggie for walks around the neighborhood, and towards the end-of-life walking around the yard taking pictures of his trees and yard, and spending quality time with his daughters and grandchildren.

His family and friends describe him as a kind, intelligent man with a calm and gentle demeanor, as well as having the ability to provide many laughs with his witty humor.

Left behind with memories of his supportive, caring and gentle disposition, Mike is survived by his wife, Brenda, daughter Kristine Kupfer and son-in-law Ty Lambrecht, daughter Lara Garrett and son-in-law Kelly Garrett, grandson Evan Garrett, granddaughter Eliana Garrett, brother Don Kupfer and partner Bette Vik, sister-in-law Jeanne Kozawa, nieces and nephews and many cousins, and Mike's good friend, colleague and camping, fishing, and hiking partner of many, many years Wallace "Wally" Schulz, Albuquerque, NM.

Heartfelt thank you for the caring and compassionate treatment to: Dr. John Paul Flores at Virginia Mason Medical Center Oncology, Seattle, WA for his three and a half years treating Mike in his fight for life; Nuclear Care Partners Karina V., RN, Jennifer T., CNA; and Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care Robert D., RN.

A Service of Remembrance to honor Mike will be held at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S Union St, Kennewick, WA 99338, Friday, August 5, 2022, at 2:00 PM.