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Michael Anthony Westray, 77

Michael Anthony Westray, 77, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away April 27, 2017, at the Schneidmiller House in Coeur d’Alene surrounded by family and friends. Mike, as everyone called him, was born to Vernon and Mary Alice Westray on Sept. 6, 1939, in Los Angeles, Calif. After graduating from South Gate High School, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for six years.

Upon completion of his engagement in the military, he became a police officer for the city of Downey, Calif., and retired after 38 years of service. It seemed that Mike, with his reputation of being a natural born cop, was well-known throughout the neighboring agencies in Southern California. The camaraderie he shared with his fellow brothers was beyond belief and his commitment to the safety and welfare of the community was immeasurable. He had a natural wit about him and his spontaneous humor was unprecedented.

Mike met Barbara Wade on Nov. 23, 1973, while working as a police officer. They were later married on Feb. 21, 1976, in Hollydale, Calif. Together they lived in Downey where they raised their family and established many friendships.

After his retirement, Mike moved to North Idaho in 2004 settling in Coeur d’Alene. As his love for law enforcement continued, he just had to remain hands on and involved, so he became a volunteer for the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

In his younger years, he loved playing football, as well as speed skating and riding dirt bikes. As he grew older, he traded the dirt bike for a Harley, and enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping and holding season tickets for the Spokane Chiefs Hockey. He was a huge history buff, an avid reader and loved playing the bagpipes. Mike was a member of the Huntington Park Jaycees, Bodie Chapter E Clampus Vitus, NRA, PORAC and the OWLS.

Mike had a great love for his family especially during the holidays. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Barbara; son Matthew (Alice) Westray of Coeur d’Alene; brother Peter (Linda) Westray of California; two grandchildren, Shelby and Jack Westray; three nephews, Donald (Karleen) Wade, Richard (Kristina) Wade and Ryan (Jennifer) Wade; three nieces, Michelle (Timothy) Lipa, Laura Westray and Melissa Westray-Olsen; eight great-nieces, Hannah, Alyson, Morgan, Isabella, Rebecca, Victoria, Madison and Riley; eight great-nephews, Mitchell, Timothy, Derek, Devon, William, Tyler, Jameson and Charles; two great-great-nephews; brother-in-law Richard (Arlene) Wade; sister-in-law Rosemarie Wade and his mother-in-law, Jeanette Wade. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and son Timothy Westray.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to Kootenai Police and Fire Memorial at KC Police and Fire Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 1748 Hayden, ID 83835.

Mike’s family requests that you share your thoughts, memories and stories in his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.