Maurice Franklin Washburne

Maurice F. “Mike” Washburne, Jr., 76, of Marietta passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, October 7, 2018. Mike was born on June 5, 1942 to Maurice F. Washburne, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Haffner Washburne in Oak Park, IL. He graduated from St. Vincent College, in Latrobe, PA with a BA degree in Economics in 1963. He started his 40-year career in Human Resources in 1964 at Allstate Insurance Company in Valley Forge, PA as Personnel Assistant and was promoted to Division Personnel Manager in 1970. In 1971 he relocated to Syracuse, NY to accept a position as Personnel Director for Agway Insurance where he worked for 10 years. In 1981 he became the Senior VP of Human Resources for Moore Group, Inc. in Atlanta, GA, which eventually became Windsor Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Financial Group. Mike created a business culture in which working hard was important, but family always came first. He was instrumental in creating fun events for the entire employee population. He was truly loved by those who not only worked directly for him, but also by those who recognized how special the culture was that he had created. He was quick witted and took great delight in making people laugh. Mike lived by the mantra “There is no limit to the good a man can do, if he does not mind who gets the credit.” One of the best examples of Mike’s unique leadership style occurred in 1999 when he served as the driving force behind the construction project of 11700 Great Oaks Way in Alpharetta, GA. From the location to the amenities this building encapsulated Mike’s career-long goal of making wherever he led a great place to work. It was important to Mike to display the American Flag on top of the new building, but due to city height regulations it didn’t seem possible. As Mike’s employees tell it, he reacted to the news with the same quick wit and calm he was always known for by simply stating, “If we can put a man on the moon, we can find a way to get a flag on top of this building.” On June 14, 2000, Flag Day, the American Flag was raised on the top of the building and is still there today. Ten months after ground breaking the building was completed and move in ready. Mike was an avid golfer, loved to fish and had a passion for aviation. Upon retirement in July, 2002 he volunteered at the Tommy Nobis Center, the Aviation Museum in Marietta, GA and as a Ranger Starter at Cobblestone Golf Course. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years Donna M. (Bourne) Washburne, a daughter, Laura Hannel (Rick) Morehead City, NC; a son, John C. Washburne (Gaye) Roswell, GA; two sisters, Marion Rawn Quast (Rick), Little Rock, AK and Mary Beth Shane (Charles), Lexington, S.C. Nine grandchildren, one great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in his memory to Northlands Church, 6630 Bay Cir Ste A Norcross, GA 30071 for the Abide Missional Community/Cases of Courage for foster children or Holy Family Catholic Church 3401 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068.