Michael J. Moran

Mike was born on February 24, 1945, in Grand Coulee to Jerome "JC" & Francis Moran. He attended school in Washtucna and later graduated in the top 7 of his class from Kahlotus High School.

Mike married his high school sweetheart Rosie Villaron and moved to Salt Lake City where they began their family and he a career in meat cutting. He joined the John Morrell Co as a territory sales rep and was quickly promoted which moved the family from Utah to Montana, Spokane, and even Las Vegas before moving back home to Washington state in 1976.

Mike always supported youth sports and activities. He coached both little league and Grid Kid teams in Kennewick for many years. He was President of the Kamiakin Booster Club. Mike was the Pit Boss for the family's Slo-Mo Racing team. He could always be found at his kids, grandkids and great grandkids sporting and racing events.

Mike's passions in life included spending time with his family & friends, camping at Harris Park, race shop night, a successful fleet sales career at McCurley, Coca Cola, Chevrolet & cookies.

He loved the music of Conway Twitty, John Wayne quotes and movies, Pilgrim.

Big Mike had a big personality. He was known to many as Mike, Bob, John Wayne's Double Brother, Ol' Man, the Cookie Monster, Poohpa and Gpa.

Mike is survived by his wife of 59 years Rosie, daughter Sherri (Andy Knoll), son Mike Jr. (Tina), grandsons Jared (Christian) and Zach (Brittany), great-grandchildren Kaidyn, Madex, Landon, Gage and Lux; his sister Helen Flower, several nieces and a nephew.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 9th at 1pm in Kennewick at the Desert Lawn Memorial Park located on the corner of 10th & Union. A Celebration of Life will be held at CG Public House at 2pm located at 9221 W Clearwater in Kennewick.

In lieu of flowers a donation made to Washington State Elks Association's Tall Elks Children's Therapy Program in Mike's memory would be "Gucci". Checks made payable to "WSEA Tall Elks" and sent c/o Tri-Cities Elks Lodge, 15 S Colorado St., Kennewick WA, 99336 or visit: to donate online.