PATH mourns loss of colleague

August 1, 2011 by PATH

Michael Wang's compelling photographs created intimate portraits of people touched by PATH's work
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Mike Wang discovered—and shared—new meaning in the art of photography. Photo: Walter Wang.

On July 28, PATH lost a talented and well-liked colleague, Michael Wang, in a bicycle accident just a few blocks from our Seattle headquarters. Mike was riding his bike home from work when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.

Mike, who was 44, started his career at PATH in 2004 as a temporary mail clerk and worked his way up to facilities assistant responsible for handling building management issues. A talented photographer, Mike also created iconic photos of PATH’s work from his travels to project sites in Bolivia, Kenya, Nicaragua, and Ukraine. His striking portraits cover the walls of PATH’s offices and fill the pages of our publications, providing a unique and personal view of the people PATH strives to help.

Colleagues remember Mike’s creativity, dedication

Friends and coworkers considered Mike an incredible father to his two children and a genuine, creative, and smart man with “endearing rough edges.” An avid and experienced cyclist, Mike rode his bike from his home in Shoreline to the office and back every day, covering hundreds of miles each month.

A memorial fund has been established at BECU credit union. Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to: 
Mike Wang family
c/o BECU
PO Box 34044
Seattle, WA 98124-1044

Donations also can be dropped off at any BECU branch location. To donate online, please contact info@path.org for instructions.

Local media reports about the accident indicate that Mike, who was wearing a helmet, was riding in the bicycle lane on Dexter Avenue North, one of Seattle’s busiest bicycle thoroughfares. An SUV turned in front of him, striking Mike and stopping briefly before driving off. A critical-care doctor who was passing by stopped to perform CPR before Mike was taken to Harborview Medical Center.

We were very fortunate to have Mike as a colleague these past seven years, and we will miss him tremendously. His photographs will serve as a legacy of his many talents and his deep commitment to the work that we do. 

More information

Posted August 1, 2011.