Michael Jay Krieger of Orcas, passed away on Jan. 3, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Mike was walking his beloved dog, Sammy, when he slipped on an icy sidewalk and suffered a severe head injury.

Mike was born on May 13, 1940 to Nancy and Alfred Krieger of San Francisco, He grew up in the bay area and graduated from Burlingame high school and the University of California at Berkeley, with a BA degree in Philosophy.

After retiring from his lumber import business in 1977, he moved to Orcas Island and began his second career; researching and writing non-fiction books. His first book, Tramp, required him to live aboard old tramp steamers all over the world. Journeys he never forgot.

Mike’s interests, besides writing books, were the preservation of the San Juan Islands — he organized the original Friends of the San Juans. He also enjoyed traveling, boating and was a voracious reader.

He especially loved spending time with his family, daughter Jennifer Bentson (Kevin), son Mark Hoppenrath, granddaughters Alexandra Hibbard (Jordan), Emily Matteo (Matthew), and his two great-grandsons, Cohen Hibbard and Hayes Hibbard.

He will be greatly missed by his wife and companion, Susan, after 31 years of adventures, traveling and enjoying their home on Orcas.

At his request, there will be no service. Donations in his name could be sent to the Friends of the San Juans or the Orcas Animal shelter.