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Michael Vance Wells, 72

Born on Sept. 5, 1944, in Oakland, Calif., Michael Vance Wells passed away in Hayden, Idaho, on May 14, 2017. After many years of illness, he met a peaceful death in his sleep at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Hayden.

Mike is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Howard and Lola Berry Wells; and is survived by his wife, Mary Arnold Wells; and children: daughter Michele Wells Oberkirch and son-in-law Mark Oberkirch of The Woodlands, Texas; daughter Jennette M. Wells of Sacramento, Calif.; and son Charles S. Wells and daughter-in-law Carly Bobbe Wells of Spokane, Wash.

The only son to Howard and Lola Wells of Lafayette, Calif., Mike led an adventurous life overseas having lived 18 years in Beirut, Lebanon. Family and friends enjoyed Mike’s many tales of this unique early life and the world perspective it brought to them all.

Mike and Mary, settled down in Granite, Idaho, where they raised children, Jennette and Charles Wells, later welcoming granddaughter Chloe Oberkirch, daughter-in-law Carly, and grandchildren Vance T. Wells and Emerson S. Wells into the family.

Mike retired as a construction superintendent after moving up through the trade over the years. He enjoyed pointing out projects in which he was involved and their challenges in Idaho, California and Washington. Having traveled so much early in life and then in his working years, Mike was content to stick close to home and enjoyed camping at Farragut and managing life on the 1890s homestead that was home for 38 years.

Mike’s booming voice and joy of spinning a tale will leave an enormous vacuum within his family to whom he was devoted.

Family and friends can remember Mike by visiting Farragut State Park and sharing his special spot for moments of happy Michael memories.

Michael was cremated and released to the family by Yates Funeral Home.