Michael 'Mike' Livesey, 85

Michael (Mike) G. Livesey, 85, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully May 8, 2024. His loving wife of 45 years, Margo, was by his side.

Mike was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 25, 1939, to Alban and Fern Livesey. He grew up in Glendale, Calif., where he established many lifelong friendships. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1956. He joined the Army National Guard in 1958.

In 1961, he married his first wife, Catherine Gibson, and they had two daughters, Dawn Livesey and Christine (Brian) Thune.

He subsequently entered the Los Angeles Police Department in 1962.

During his 25-year career with the LAPD, he received numerous commendations for his exemplary service, devotion to duty, and leadership skills. One such incident was the capture and arrest of Sirhan B. Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968.

Mike and Margo were married in 1979 after having met on vacation in Hawaii one year earlier.

After retirement (1987) they spent a full year traveling the U.S. in their motorhome which was a joyous highlight in their lives. They then moved from California to Idaho to be near Margo's family. They built a unique log home on a bluff overlooking Coeur d'Alene, the Spokane River, the mountains, and the prairie to the North. In 2005, they moved to a new home in Post Falls, with views of the Spokane River and surrounding mountains. For many years, they were snowbirds and stayed mostly in Mesquite, Nev., where they gained lifelong friends.

Mike adored his three dogs and never left home without a furry friend by his side. He became an avid fisherman spurred on by his father-in-law, Russ Sala. Many, many hours were spent cleaning fish with Russ and his two brothers-in-law, Wayne White and Don Templeton. Mike was a man of few words, but his humor and quick wit were admired by all. Throughout his life, he enjoyed golfing, jogging, walking his dogs, traveling or just sitting in the sunshine quietly with his own thoughts. His passion was working on crossword puzzles, and he was extremely good at them.

In 2015, Mike was diagnosed with Dementia and eventually became a resident of Guardian Angel Homes. A special thanks to his many caregivers who took excellent care of him. He succumbed to the disease and complications of a broken hip.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William (Bill) Livesey, and his sister Barbara Robinson. He is survived by his wife, Margo Livesey, daughters Dawn Livesey and Christine Thune, son-in-law Brian Thune, granddaughters Alexandra Marin and Michaela Marin, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held at noon Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls, Idaho. Mike will be laid to rest at Spokane Memorial Gardens in a private family service. Please visit his online memorial page and sign the guestbook at www.heritagefunerals.com. 

Heritage Funeral and Cremation is entrusted in care. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of North Idaho would be appreciated.