Michael Moffat, 66

Michael Daniel Moffat, age 66, of Coeur d’Alene, ID, passed away January 14, 2014, at Hospice House after a 13 month battle with cancer.

Mike was born June 1, 1947, in Spokane, WA, to Loren and Phyllis (Chambers) Moffat. He attended grade school at St. Paschal’s. In high school Mike’s favorite class was baseball, and of course hunting and fishing. He was offered a scholarship in baseball and tried out for the Spokane Indians where he injured his knee for the first time. He went to work for Kaiser and accidentally cut off his fingers at the tip. For a guy that got sick in a rowboat, Mike then joined the Coast Guard. When Mike returned home from the Coast Guard he had his second knee surgery at old St. Luke’s Hospital where he met Vicki, who was his nurse. Mike and Vicki were married in Colville, WA, and have been married for 45 years.

Mike had far more than just the three great kids he raised (Jeff, Kelly and Cami). He made a lasting impression with all the people he came in contact with. He was very active in the community over the years as a coach, fundraiser, and fan. The lives he touched and made an impression on over the years still continue today to shape and influence how they live their lives. We believe his most amazing accomplishment was as a grandfather or “Papa.”

He was inducted into the Spokane Community College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010. Mike retired after 30 years with UPS to start his second career as a professional hunter, babysitter, and guide for his grandchildren. Sitting watching a game, going fishing, training dogs, or planning the next hunt, Mike always had a smile and quick wit. His smile, laughter, work ethic, helping hand, and “bird legs” will live in our memories forever. As many have said, it was an honor to call him our friend, father, husband, coach and mentor.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. A reception will follow at the Elks facility on Prairie Avenue. The family prefers memorial donations to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID, 83835. You may visit Mike’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com