Michael James Greif, 63

After 63 wonderful years of life, the Lord took Mike to heaven on April 29, 2010, while his loving family was by his side. He was born in Seattle on Oct. 26, 1946, and is the son of Don and Annabelle Greif of Spokane.

Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. Following the war, he became a firefighter with the Spokane Valley Fire Department and retired as a captain in 1994, after many years of doing a job that he loved so much. Following his retirement from the fire department, Mike moved to Seattle and worked for the Boeing Fire Department in Everett, Wash. Following his retirement from the fire service he became a business owner that included Tamarack Realty of North Idaho and ProHome of Idaho and Washington.

When Mike wasn't gardening with his lovely wife Dorothy or playing with his two dogs Minnie and Rosie, you could find him hunting, golfing, or watching the Zags. If the Zags weren't playing or it wasn't basketball season, he enjoyed taking trips and cruises with his companion, partner and best friend Dorothy. Some of Mike's favorite things in the world included: golf trips to Canada, Kokanee, cold beer, bloody Caesars, eating chicken wings and gizzards with his best bud "Squirt", garage "get togethers" with his neighbors, barbecuing, debating politics with his son Thomas, listening to music with his wife Dorothy, watching the Military Channel and most of all, having everyone over at his house for holiday gatherings and dinner.

Mike is survived by his wife Dorothy (Hemphill), his sister Elizabeth Fox of Kennewick, Wash., his son Thomas and his wife Cathy of Post Falls, son Nicholas of Scottsdale, Ariz., daughter Jamie of Redmond, Wash., son Sean of Puyallup, Wash., stepchildren Stephanie and Sean and grandchildren Michelle, A’Miyah, Kadee, Isabella & Lillian.

Mike was a compassionate and sensitive man that touched many people during his 63 years of life with us all. His love for his family and dogs came second to none. He was a friend to many and had a special place within his heart for them all.

The Greif family will be celebrating Mike's life and journey at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 6, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make a donation to the Kootenai Cancer Center, 700 Ironwood Drive, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, has been entrusted with care of final arrangements. Please visit Mike's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.