Brother Michael

For nearly two generations of kids, Brother Michael of the Order of the Holy Cross was a beloved figure at the program near Olympia which was named Camp Michael in his honor.

After enduring increasing health problems, Brother Michael Stonebraker, OHC, 78, died June 10 in a hospital near the storybook town of Rhinebeck, NY, where he had lived in a retirement home the past several years.

A requiem Eucharist celebrated at the Order of the Holy Cross monastery in nearby West Park, NY, was especially well attended because members were gathered for their annual chapter meeting.

Br. Michael’s career included editing the order’s magazine, and being organist at the monastery, a considerable feat considering that he had only one hand. He served in youth programs in many different parts of the U.S. and in Toronto. In this diocese, he assisted youth ministries at many parishes and missions; a camp for blind persons on Vashon Island, and was an organ consultant for St. Paul’s, Bellingham.

For more than 30 years, Br. Michael managed to get away from whatever his assignment of the moment was in order to be spiritual director for Camp Michael.

Begun 36 years ago by St. John’s, Olympia, it attracted youth from parishes throughout southwest Washington and now continues as part of the Willapa Regional Ministry.

With permission to retire in Seattle’s University District, Br. Michael continued his camp ministry. He also was active at Christ Church, Seattle, and as a volunteer with senior activities. As his health failed, he returned to New York to be near the monastery.

An erudite scholar, musician, writer, photographer, chef and preacher, he also had the gift to relate to kids with love, which they returned in full measure. He will be missed, and remembered, at the 36th Camp Michael Aug. 3 – 7.

(Friends in this diocese suggest that Br. Michael will be honored by remembrances to Camp Michael, c/o Jan Akin, St. John’s Church, 114 20th Ave. S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, or to the Order of the Holy Cross, P.O. Box 99, West Park, NY 12493.)

For the formal obituary please see the Holy Cross website.