Michael John Nist, “Mike,” 78, of Browns Point, WA, died peacefully on January 2, 2026 at St Francis Hospital. Born November 2, 1947, he was the beloved son of the late Gene and Carole (Tarp) Nist. He loved growing up in Tacoma and on the waterfront in Browns Point, spending time with his sister Vicki, and treasured his years at the Marymount Military Academy in his youth. Mike was a graduate of Stadium High School (Class of 1966) and Central Washington University (class of 1970).
Mike joined the family business in 1970 and spent over five decades at Seattle-Tacoma Box Company. He was instrumental in developing the company’s sales footprint, particularly in the seafood industry in Alaska and the agricultural industry in Hawaii. He was a natural salesman and loved developing many relationships with his customers, which turned into lifelong friendships.
His love of travel and sales took him all over the country and even the world, including visits to especially loved places in Alaska and Hawaii. Mike continued to thrive as a vital part of the company and was blessed to have the opportunity to work beside his two sons and the extended Nist family until his death.
Mike had the biggest heart and was always looking to help others. He was instrumental in corporate philanthropy efforts, culminating in the creation of the Seattle-Tacoma Box Legacy Foundation in 2024, and served as the Foundation’s Vice-President until his passing.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was a friend to every animal and was never without the companionship of a trusted hunting dog. He loved spending time along the Washington Coast at Ocean Shores Outdoor Recreation Club and, in his later years, time in sunny Arizona. The biggest tribute we can make to his life well-lived is to “Live like Mike.”
