North Mercer QFC’s Michael Mitchell who died in May will be honored as a Hometown Hero In the Summer Celebration Grand Parade on Saturday.

Nominated by QFC customer Melissa Handler, Michael worked in the seafood department starting in 1999 and eventually became the seafood assistant manager.

Whole families gravitated to the seafood department to converse with Michael about any and all subjects.  Kids were especially drawn to Michael who remembered each name and what sport or activity interested them.

When my grandson was in kindergarten, he was upset that his teacher didn’t have the class sing “Up on the Housetop,” in the holiday performance.  When he arrived at our house after school, I suggested that we could go down to the “Q” and he could sing it for Michael.  A crowd gathered as Nicholas sang with all the hand motions.  All the tears were gone as Nicholas took a bow.

Michael was a unique community catalyst. Please join us in saluting Michael as his family and friends march in the parade in his honor.  QFC employees will be passing out goodies.

Dee Hitch

North Mercer QFC wine steward, retired

Mercer Island Reporter wine columnist