Obituaries

Michael (Mikel) Toombs, Seattle, WA, died at home of natural causes in July, 2020.

Mikel was a gentle soul who left this world as quietly as he lived, always following his own path. Growing up in the San Diego suburbs, he went through high school winning regional math competitions and began college as a math major at UCLA, but was truly driven by his love of music and writing. Mikel produced music fanzines in high school and college, and graduated from UC San Diego with degree in communications. An exceptional writer, Mikel went on to be a music critic for newspapers in both San Diego and Seattle, specializing in punk, alternative rock, and alt-country music. Mikel had a very clever, dry sense of humor. His reviews were always witty and full of wordplay—and almost always included a purposely bad pun.

Mikel also enjoyed working as a referee for high schools and youth and adult leagues, officiating soccer, volleyball and softball games. Although he didn’t drive, Mikel loved to travel and spend time outdoors, but he was also a voracious reader and film buff. Mikel is survived by his sister Leslie Toombs (Steve Robinson), step-siblings Robert (DeeAnn), Ann, Bobbie, Ellen and Jim (Barbara), and ex-wife and friend Jo Ann Riggs (Elizabeth Gronlund). We miss him dearly.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/obituary.aspx?n=michael-jon-toombs&pid=198179468