Michael Anderson, 55

Michael George Anderson passed away on Oct. 10, 2010, at the age of 55 at his home in Kamiah. Mike was born to Henry (Hank) and Clara Anderson in Coeur d'Alene on May 16, 1955.

Mike graduated from Coeur d'Alene Senior High School in 1973. He went on to earn a degree in Law Enforcement from North Idaho College and a Business degree from Lewis-Clark State College. He also earned several credits in Criminal Justice from Gonzaga University.

Mike always knew he wanted to be a cop. He started his career in the Pinehurst Police Department in 1976. He then worked for Kootenai County Sheriff's Department as a Marine Deputy and later became a sergeant. In 1986, he became the Chief of Police of St. Maries Police Department. From there he became a Captain for the Post Falls Police Department.

In 1993, he was elected County Commissioner for Kootenai County. Following relocation to Southern California, he worked as Security Supervisor for Knott's Berry Farm. In 1998, he returned to the Pacific Northwest and became the Security Manager for Pike Place Market later working as the Emergency Services Manager for the Seattle Center.

Following his heart back to North Idaho, he went to work for the Boundary County Sheriff's Department. In June 2009, he moved to Kamiah to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren and began working with Clearwater County Sheriff's Department as their back country deputy, which he really enjoyed. He recently completed his first responder certification.

Mike's devotion of service to the community involved him in saving of many lives throughout his law enforcement career as well as his work with the Kootenai County Dive Team and the Kootenai County Search and Rescue. Mike was also a co-founder of the Mountain West Rescue Dogs. He loved all his search dogs but his favorite was always Sundance. Mike volunteered his time and expertise to the people of Haiti. He was also a community volunteer for the community of Post Falls.

Mike loved being outdoors and nearly all physical activities. He was good at every thing he tried. He particularly enjoyed bicycling and was involved in the Cascade Bicycle Club. He had recently bought a horse and was enjoying learning to ride. He enjoyed skiing, NASCAR races and spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his fiancée, Dana Bontrager; his sister, Marilyn Kossky of Placentia, Calif.; his brother, Dale Barnes of Coeur d'Alene; his daughters, Brandy Conner and son-in-law Scott of Sandy, Utah, and Suzi Quintal and son-in-law Mike of Kooskia; his son, Casey Anderson of Great Falls, Mont.; five grandchildren who were the light of his life, McKenzie age 6, Jake age 3, Hayden and Devin age 2, and Kade age 1; along with several nieces and nephews. Mike was much loved and will be missed.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, with viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

The family prefers memorials to the Ronald McDonald House. Please visit Mike's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.