Mike Van Slate Sr., 71

Dad was born in his grannies home on the rim rock in Hayden, June 15, 1940. He passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 15, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Dad worked in the sawmills most of his life, first at WI forest products as head sawyer then at Crown Pacific until it closed down. He was finally able to retire from Harpers in Post Falls. Dad was able to enjoy the last six years of his retirement surrounded by his children and grandchildren that were his absolute joy. He was a constant presence at all of their school functions, cheered at their athletic events and celebrated all birthdays and holidays. He was also always up for any other opportunity we could think of to roast a marshmallow over the campfire or drown a worm in the lake.

If you knew Dad, you knew his favorite hobby was visiting...and if you didn't know him he'd visit with you anyway... he never met a stranger. Dad kept us in stitches with endless stories of adventures from his youth. He married his wife, Karen on his birthday in 1965. They were married 46 and a half years to the day at his passing. When asked he said that those 46 years were his greatest accomplishment.

Mike is survived by his wife, Karen Van Slate; son Michael P Van Slate Jr. (wife Brenda); daughter Kimberley Buffin (husband Gene); grandsons Nicholas Van Slate and Andrew Buffin; granddaughters - his "dollies," Jayne Van Slate and Aliza Buffin; brother Chris and sister Karen Marie.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Mead; mother Dorothy and brothers Howard and Larry.

At Dad's request there will be no services, just great memories until we meet him again in Heaven. The Bible says the LORD builds us mansions in Heaven, but if Dad has anything to do with the building of his, it will be a little log cabin in the woods.