Mike Bathum Obituary in Ferndale at Wildflower Funeral Concepts

Obituary For Mike Bathum

Mike Bathum, 85, of Bellingham, WA, died peacefully at home on November 29, 2025. He was a devoted husband, loving father and brother, dedicated teacher, and talented artist.

Mike was born on October 11, 1940, in Seattle, WA, to Roy and Margaret Bathum. He grew up on the shores of Lake Washington near Seward Park, where he and his beloved older brother, Eric, spent as much time as they could in the water. In the early 1950s, the family moved southeast to the small town of Enumclaw, WA, and took up dairy farming near the foothills of Mt. Rainier. There his beloved younger brother, Rick, was born.

As a teenager, Mike was active in local 4H and his Holstein cows won championships all over the state. He worked hard on the family farm, milking 40 cows every morning before school and birthing calves (his first all by himself at 13 years old!). An artist from a young age, Mike began his long career by decorating holiday shop windows in town and pinstriping cars (by hand) when he was in high school.

Mike was truly a life-long learner. He graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1958 and then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the University of Washington, where he was cartoonist for the UW’s newspaper, The Daily, from 1961-64. He then went to Fort Wright College in Spokane for a Master of Fine Art, Painting and Drawing. Later in life, Mike earned two more Master Degrees from Seattle University, one in Theological Studies and another in Ministry, Creativity and Spirituality.

Mr. Bathum taught painting, drawing, and graphic design at his alma mater Enumclaw High School from 1970 to 1993. He was known for nurturing his student’s creativity, his high standards, and playing air guitar on his yard stick when a good song came on the radio. In 1978, Mike took his young family to New Zealand where he taught art for a year at Papakura High School in Manurewa, NZ. It was there he became enamored with Maori arts, crafts, and sculpture – particularly the koru symbol, which would feature prominently in his own art for the rest of his life.

In addition to his family and friends, Mike’s most enduring and cherished legacy are the countless works of art he has left behind. From stunning paintings of water, boats, and landscapes, to impeccably detailed pencil and ink drawings, and gorgeous hand-sewn liturgical banners, Mike’s artwork hangs on the walls of homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship all over the country.

Mike was also both a voracious reader and prolific writer, penning dozens of poems, essays, and contributions to anthologies on spirituality and masculinity. He published several books, including a series of instructional books called The 4-Step Illustrated Art Projects, published by Simon & Schuster, as well as I Can’t Draw a Straight Line With a Ruler: Issues in Creativity and Spirituality.

When he wasn’t busy in his studio, Mike loved being outside. Whether hiking the Cascades with his brothers, camping with his children, chasing ocean waves with his grandchildren, or just working in the garden, the beauty of the natural world always inspired and sustained him.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Allen, his children, Aaron (Kristi) and Sara Bathum (Stacy Branum), his stepchildren, Jenn Hebert, Jason Allen, and Taylor Garrod, and his grandchildren Avey, Ella, Jay, Spencer, Dylan, Audrey, Ben, Ila, and Cecilye,

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 at First Congregational Church in Bellingham, WA. Virtual attendance is available for those unable to travel. Please contact Jen Hebert at jen10hebert@gmail.com for details.

Sharon and the family are grateful for all the love and support they have received over the last few years. They would especially like to thank the caregivers who cared for Mike so gently this past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Bellingham Food Bank or Dementia Support Northwest.

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