January 14, 1948 - April 11, 2009

A legendary master of masonry

Michael Van Scharnberg shuffled off this mortal coil at 5:30am on April, 11th 2009. Seattle has lost a craftsman of unequaled skill, Mike Scharnberg contributed to the creation of some of the finest and most enduring works known in the northwest, his pieces will live on as a testament to his caring love of building things. Building his art as he built his family, with a good foundation and an endless supply of love, he coaxed nothing but the finest from all around him, brick stone, children and friends.

Clients became friends, friends became family, and over a career that spanned a lifetime he made bonds that would stand the tests of time. Always on the go, but with a knack for spending time with his children when they needed him the most, a coffee here, a movie there, and many family dinners full of lively discussions. His love of stone was rivaled only by his love of International trucks, a man with an eye for perfection that, once on the job was known to tear 250 pound stairs apart repeatedly, until he was satisfied. He was exclusively advertised by word of mouth. He worked with and for people he thoroughly enjoyed. People and projects would come together and work out in just such a timing to suggest he had a personal agreement with the universe.

Always pushing for the best out of people, but forgiving of peoples foibles. He was a great thinker, always helpful problem solver and optimistic when it came to the impossible. In what ever he did it was always artful custom work. After working he liked to go out with friends or family for dinner and a movie. He loved to find hole in the wall restaurants that were small with great food and a welcoming atmosphere. It made for many good times of wonderful food, comfortable company, enchanting views and great conversations. Conversations of philosophy , politics, economics and thoughtful future speculation, bordering on conspiracy theory. Secretly he him self always wanted to start an Italian restaurant. He made you laugh with his wry yet zany humor. He experienced a wonderfully full and glorious life.

Mike was born Jan, 14 1948 in Galesburg Illinois and spent almost half a century transforming people’s homes into masterpieces. With 12 years of Catholic school, then 4 years of being an Eagle Scout and Great stories of him mining molybdenum. As well as being a Ski patrol at Breckinridge, Colorado, which is where he meet he wife of 40 years. That partnered with him in raising their five children, Emmy 40, Claire 36, John 33, Alex 26 And 17 year old Sophie. Mike had that honor of meeting his new grandson, Atticus, fathered by his son Alex. Thankfully he was able to pass surrounded by his loving children in the comfort of his eldest daughter’s home. An honorable man that even went with dignity.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Please come and help us celebrate the life of our beloved father.

On Sunday May 3, 2009 we will be holding a memorial service in the park to remember our father, celebrate his friends and family, and rejoice in a life well lived.

Chuckanut drive is one of Mike’s favorite trips, the magnificent scenery encompasses all the northwest has to offer and was a place our dad called home in his heart. Please join us at Larrabee State Park in shelter #1 (S -1) at 2:30 pm for personal remembrances, favorite stories, and a wonderful supper in his honor.

When: Sunday May 3, 2009 ~ 2:30 pm Where: Larrabee State Park ~ Shelter #1 (S - 1) Address: Larrabee State Park - 245 Chuckanut Dr. Bellingham, WA 98227 Directions: Directions: Follow I-5 northbound past Burlington. Exit onto highway 11 / Chuckanut Dr. and proceed 14 miles to Larrabee State Park. The park entrance is on the left, follow the road to the parking area, down the path to the picnic shelter. Refer to the link below.

DONATIONS

The Scharnberg family requests In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Evergreen Hospice, 12040 NE 128th Street, Kirkland, WA, 98034

Memorial

Just as the Wave Cannot Exist

Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. It is an uncomfortable doctrine which the true ethics whisper into my ear. You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much.

Albert Schweitzer

Looking into the portals of eternity

Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; Then all prejudice of race vanishes away.

George Washington