Michael King - Obituary

bituary Michael “Mikey” King Sr, 64, a tailor by profession for over 25 years in the Washington, DC area, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis. Michael migrated to the United States from his birthplace, Trinidad, West Indies in 1968. He resided with friends in Brooklyn, New York where he worked as an apprentice tailor before joining the United States Army in 1970. On completion of his military service, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam, he chose Washington, DC as his new home. In 1978 he moved with his family to Prince George’s County, Maryland. As his health deteriorated in late 2008, he relocated to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, MD for convalescent care. Michael loved music, especially playing calypso and soca on the steelpan. He was a member of many prominent steelpan organizations over the years. His pan career began in 1964 as a teenage member of the BWIA Sunjets Steel Orchestra, and ended in 2004 as a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Steelband of Washington DC. Michael also enjoyed cutting hair as a hobby. He was known as the regular barber for the guys at the clubhouse in DC. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Esther; two sons, Michael Jr. (Janna), and Stephen; two grandchildren, Lailah and Charles; brothers, Oscar and Richard; sisters, Ira (Clyde), Eileen (Patrick), Ruby(Allan) and June. A host of nieces, nephews, other extended relatives and friends in New York and Trinidad. He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet and Lloyd; a brother, Anthony; and two sisters, Gilda and Josephine. Michael will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his big heart and charming smile. May his soul departed rest in peace.