Michael John Padula, 71

Jan. 4, 1949 – July 6, 2020

Michael J. Padula passed away unexpectedly in the early evening on July 6, 2020, after a bravely-fought battle lasting two days.

Michael was born Jan. 4, 1949, to Ferdinan and Nada Padula. He was the youngest of six children, and by youngest I mean BABY! In the words of my aunts and uncles, “He was pampered and catered to every step of the way.” He grew up in Smelterville, Idaho, where he enjoyed hiking, music, guitars, dirt bikes, hunting and fishing, and pretty much anything outdoors, with just a pinch of having a good time!

Upon completion of high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. While serving his country in Vietnam, he received the Purple Heart. After his tour of duty was over, he returned home and joined the other side. He grew out his hair, joined a band and became one of the hippies that everyone was so fond of. The band rocked the better part of the Silver Valley for a good two to three years.

One night in 1978, after their final farewell show, he ran into a young, little groupie, my mother, Virginia. They fell in love and wed in 1979. In their drive for procreation, they were blessed with a baby boy in January, 1980. The energy created by this child was unlike any other. Just imagine coupling that with an already unstable demigod in his own right! If father and child were to even be in the same room, the sheer magnitude of their energy would shatter every window for 10 city blocks. At that point, my dad knew what he had to do. For the sake of mother, child and all single-pane glass windows in the area, they divorced and Dad went on his way.

My dad lived a “not for the faint at heart kinda life” for the better part of two decades. A life in which a mere mortal man would crumble. He traveled the globe fighting crime, breaking up organized syndicates and ultimately solving cold fusion; unfortunately, he lost his formulas prior to delivering them into the proper hands. All these accomplishments landed him a multitude of awards that granted him access to some of the finest facilities known to man; places where he lived in the lap of luxury three, six, or maybe nine months at a time.

He had perfected the art of being able to piss off the entire family in one fell swoop but had the wherewithal, heart, and compassion to go door-to-door and apologize.

In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering at the American Legion Post #143 in Post Falls. He loved football season (especially those dang Seahawks), spoiling his grandchildren and spending time with his lady.

He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed! He is survived by his son, Jerin; grandchildren Adrian, Izabella and Jerin Jr. and his main squeeze, Donna Stoute.

A celebration of life and potluck will be held in his remembrance from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the American Legion- Steven H. Nipp Post #143, 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854.