Michael K. “Mike” Palmer of Hermiston died on Dec. 18, 2018 in Kennewick, Wash. at the age of 60.
He was born on Oct. 24, 1958 in Salinas, Calif.
Mike loved the outdoors and was very adventurous. He spent many years riding dirt bikes. He rode in Baja in 2002. He loved driving and traveling, and especially spending time on the beaches in Florida. Mike loved his dogs and cats. He was raised in California and Massachusetts, graduating in San Jose, Calif. and earning his Eagle Scout badge. Mike was united in marriage to Julie Groves on July 2, 1981 in San Jose, Calif.
He was a hard worker and spent more than 25 years in the power generation industry, mostly in start-ups, and burning waste rice hulls, trash, coal, and gas to produce electricity in California, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Oregon. He had a big heart and was always available to help friends and family in need. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Julie Palmer, his son, Anthony Zanatta and his daughter-in-law, Sonia Chandra, all of Hermiston; his mother, Carol Palmer and sister, Diane Jones of Orland, Calif.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews living in New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho and California.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Palmer and a brother, James Palmer.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date.
Please leave an online condolence for Mike’s family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
