Michael Dennis Richie, 48, of Oak Harbor, died March 4, 2007, in Bellingham. He was born in Herkimer, N.Y., on August 8, 1958, to Raepheal and Dorothy (Kinney) Richie. While attending high school he worked in the produce department of Great American grocery store. After receiving his G.E.D., Michael joined the United States Navy and served overseas.

While stationed in the Philippines, he met Carolina Cacha, and they were married on Sept. 21, 1981. When he got out of the military, they moved to Hawaii, where they lived for several years. He later re-enlisted, and spent a total of 17 years serving his country.

Michael then went to work for BF Goodrich in Everett as an airplane technician, and the last few years he worked with at-risk youth at Cascades Job Corps in Sedro-Woolley. He and Carolina have lived in Oak Harbor for 17 years.

He loved interacting and talking with people. Michael was a true “Mr. Fix-it” especially when it came to cars. He also enjoyed reading, computers, sci-fi and Star Trek.

He is survived by his wife, and son, James; brother, Ralph, Jr. of Herkimer, N.Y.; sisters, JoAnne Bouck of The Villages, Fla., and Cheri-Lynn Richie of Oneanta, N.Y.; numerous nephews, great-nephews, and one great-niece.

Viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, March 12, with funeral services following at 6 p.m., at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in his name to Cascades Job Corps, Attn: HR Dept., P.O. Box 819, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284.