Michael Ross Peel

of Bainbridge Island, Washington passed on peacefully at his home in West Port Madison on June 6, 2011, at the age of 76.Born in Dillon, Montana to Emil and Alberta Peel, he had a colorful childhood in Big Sky Country. He lived in Columbia Falls, Somers, and Whitefish before attending St. Vincent Catholic School for Boys in San Rafael, California. Enlisting in the Army, he served in Seoul, Korea, following the war. On his return to the United States, he met his future wife, Rosalys, in Sacramento where he attended Sacramento State College.In 1967, he became a Special Agent for the U.S. Treasury/ Bureau of Customs. He initially worked undercover doing drug work on the docks in San Francisco. He was later appointed to the Bureau in Los Angeles. In this position, he served on numerous national and international drug tasks forces. During this time Mike and Rosalys resided in San Pedro, California where they have fond memories of living for 17 years.The family moved to Seattle in 1986 where, in 1989, Mike concluded his 22 years of service with US Customs as Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Internal Affairs.Mike was an active member of St Barnabas Church. He was past president of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of Former Customs Special Agents.In spite of having been diagnosed 10 years ago with Alzheimer's, Michael lived those years to the fullest. Always with Rosalys by his side, and often joined by family members, he explored Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Hawaii and traveled in their beloved ‘92 Westfalia camper across the U.S. and back. Mike was able to conclude his life's journey at home thanks to friends and family. He enjoyed watching the passages of his children's lives and the weekly time with his grand daughter. The constancy of Mike's good will, courage, and laughter remains a comfort to those who loved him.Mike is survived by Rosalys, his wife of 45 years, his son Patrick, his daughter Kathleen and granddaughter, Riley.Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration and Service on July 23, 2011 at 3:30 at St Barnabas Episcopal Church with internment after the service at the church's Interium. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St Barnabas Church, 1187 Wyatt Way NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, to the National Custom Museum Foundation (NCMR), 7222 Ludwood Court, Alexandra, VA 22306, or to Hospice of Kitsap County PO Box 3416, Silverdale, WA 98383.