Michael George McClaskey Sr.

Michael George McClaskey Sr. died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at the age of 84 in his home in Portland. He was born July 25, 1940 in the Dalles, the first of 3 children to George and Eleanor McClaskey. He was raised in Arlington, Oregon where he attended grade school and graduated from Arlington High School in 1959. He loved playing sports and was involved in numerous teams. During high school, he began dating the love of his life and future wife, Donna (Kumm) McClaskey. They attended Pacific University together and were married August 24, 1963, thus beginning their beautiful adventure as husband and wife.

Mike graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and accepted a job with Carnation Company in Portland, Oregon. His natural talent for sales was evident as he excelled and honed his craft. He was quickly promoted which brought a move to Los Angeles for a role as Sales Supervisor and then on to San Franciso as a District Manager.

In 1975, opportunity beckoned and Mike, Donna and their family of now 3 young children moved back to Portland. Mike resigned from Carnation Company to open McClaskey’s Wine & Spirits Distributorship. With Donna by his side, he built McClaskey’s into the third- largest distributorship in the state. All 3 children joined the company after graduating college, working their way up in sales and leadership roles. He loved teaching his kids “the art of the sale” and emphasized the importance of relationships. Anyone who came to know Mike through business quickly learned about his family and the pride he had in each child and grandchild.

Mike was a devout Catholic and spent time fundraising for Jesuit High School while his boys attended and St. Thomas More Catholic church, where he was a loyal parishioner. He also served on the board of St. Mary’s Academy for many years and enjoyed his time of service to the community. Mike also enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting with family and friends.

Mike and Donna sold McClaskey’s Wine in 2008 to Odom-Southern Wine and began their retirement. They enjoyed many vacations around the world and also delighted in taking trips with their children and grandchildren to Ireland, Hawaii, San Diego and beyond. Mike took in as many volleyball, baseball and basketball games as possible to watch his grandkids in action. He always said he was “the richest man alive because of his family”. Always proud of his Irish heritage, he frequently said “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, You’re lucky enough.”

Mike is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna McClaskey of Portland; sons Michael McClaskey, Jr. of Lake Oswego, Patrick McClaskey and his wife Erin of Beaverton; daughter Kimberley McClaskey and Son-in-law Todd Avilla of Portland; granddaughters Madeline Dowdall and Alice McClaskey; grandsons Mickey, Rylan, Finnegan and Breckin McClaskey.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John Fisher Catholic Church on Saturday Jan. 18, 2025 at 11:00 am. Arrangements are in care of Gethsemane Funeral Home / Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Thomas More Catholic Church, Jesuit High School and St Mary’s Academy of Portland.