Obituary - Michael 'Ski' Joseph Chvilicek

Michael "Ski" Joseph Chvilicek gently went into eternal rest at home in Port Hadlock, Washington, surrounded by his loving family Monday, June 10 2024. Michael was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

Michael was born November 27, 1951, in Havre, Montana, to Frank and Lavona Chvilicek. He graduated from Havre Central High School in 1970. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served nearly 24 years before he retired as a Chief Mineman. He traveled around the world and country, his duty stations included the following: Charleston, SC; Long Beach, CA; Italy; England; Subic Bay, Philippines; Guam; Oahu, HI; Indian Island, WA; and Hawthorne, NV. He also spent time at sea on the following aircraft carriers: USS Midway (CVA-41), USS Independence (CVA-62), and USS Ranger (CVA-61).

After Michael's retirement (April 1994) from the U.S. Navy he moved his family back to the Evergreen State to raise his two children and enjoy the great outdoors. He began his second career at the Port Townsend Paper Mill, dedicating 22 years of service operating and maintaining the plant's extensive boiler system. Upon arriving home from work, his kids would complain about the smell and he would say with a smile, "That's the smell of money."

Michael loved his wife, Nenita, more than life itself and loved her well over their 43 years of marriage. They enjoyed 30 years of life on the Olympic Peninsula and are parishioners at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Michael was in his element when working or playing outside. You could often find him in his garage or yard. His hands were never far from a task or job that needed tending to, especially if it involved his family. When he wasn't working, he was playing, and some of his favorite things to do included: riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, shooting, gardening and camping.

Aside from being outside as much as possible, Michael enjoyed good food and drink, especially when shared with family and friends. He was also an avid Seahawks fan and never missed a chance to tune in to watch a game or all the games. He would often say with a smile, "Are you ready for some Monday Night football?"

Michael might have been less known for his quiet collection of rocks, shells, coins, hats and anything he thought he could repurpose and make use of for a later need. He would often say with a smile, "Waste not, want not."

He also enjoyed the company of other veterans. He was a member of his local (Port Townsend) Elks Lodge #317, The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion, USO, NRA (endowment member) and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (lifetime member). During his time in Hawthorne, Nevada he served as Post Commander at the VFW Post #2313 from 1993-1994.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lavona Chvilicek, and nephew William Brown.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nenita; children, Debbie (Jason) and Chris; granddaughters, Erin and Theresa; siblings, David, (Sally), Julie (Dave), Mark (Arlyne), Teresa, Danny (Sharon), and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church (1335 Blaine St, Port Townsend, WA 98368) Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the reception hall of St. Mary Star of the Sea Friday, July 12, 2024 at 12 p.m.

Michael will receive full military honors and his final resting place will be at Tahoma National Cemetery July 11th at 2 p.m. Fair winds and Following Seas, Michael. You will be dearly missed.

Cards and condolences can be mailed to Nenita Chvilicek, 40 Jonathan Place, Port Hadlock, WA 98339.