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Michael Don Tuntland, 62

Michael Don Tuntland, 62, passed away far too soon on Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. Mike was born to Donald Tuntland and Beverly (Wendlandt) Hanks in Spokane on Nov. 3, 1955, after the birth of his older brother, Ken and before his younger brother, Jon. Mike’s first chapter of life was full of him and his brothers raising hell, constantly doing everything they could to keep their mother on her toes and living a youthful Idaho life to its fullest.

Mike married Kelly Corey in 1981 (amicably ending in 2003), and two years later began his second great chapter in life — and what he would consider his most important — fatherhood. His daughters, Lindsey and Brianna (“Bri”), were born in 1983, followed by his youngest, Kristina (“Kristi”), in 1986. From his daughters’ first breaths until his last, Mike gave every ounce of his heart to his kids. His daughters lived a childhood with a remarkable father who unconditionally stood in their corner and supported them through the good, the bad and the unknown.

As his daughters grew older, he returned to one of his greatest passions — riding his motorcycle. He felt a harmony on two wheels that gave him endless joy in the rare times that he wasn’t working, with his family, reading a great book, or simply giving his time to anyone who needed a helping hand.

One by one his daughters married (Lindsey to Eli Neidig, Brianna to Beau LaTourette and Kristi to Graham Hanson), and then the third and most precious chapter of his life began — grandparenthood. Over the course of five years Mike had six granddaughters: Tenley (7), Mia (6), Sloane (5), Sienna (3), Molly (2) and Camryn (2). The light in Mike’s eyes when he saw his grandkids could only be rivaled by the love and laughter those girls showed him when he pulled up on his motorcycle, wrestled them to the ground, gave them mustache kisses, or rocked them to sleep to the sound of classic rock. The man who likened himself to a rough, beer-drinking, motorcycle riding, tattoo-sporting (a flower for every granddaughter), gun-loving, rock and roll-blaring Idaho good ol’ boy was completely melted by the smiles and love of the daughters and granddaughters that made his life whole. Though far too premature, Mike’s life ended just as he would have wanted, surrounded by the daughters that gave him his life’s absolute joy.

In his usual selfless manner Mike didn’t want services on his behalf. Instead, his family will be hosting a celebration of life at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at the Fort Ground Grill. The family asks only for you to bring a story about Mike that will help honor the life and legacy he leaves behind.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Donald Tuntland and his infant nephew, Barney Tuntland.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Michael’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.