Mike L.G. Cowley, 76
Mike L.G. Cowley, 76, lost his battle with dementia and stepped into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020.
A second-generation native Idahoan, Mike was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on July 20, 1944, to Clinton and Kathleen (Armstrong) Cowley. Although raised on a rural farm, Mike’s interests always leaned more toward racing cars on the country roads than milking the family cows. That interest in cars paved the way toward his lifelong career as an autobody repairman. Mike’s skill at transforming a wreck into a masterpiece was always in demand.
In 1963, Mike married Sandra K. Trainer of Copeland, Idaho. After the birth of their second daughter, they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Mike started work at Knudtsen Chevrolet. After two more girls joined the family, Mike had to give up on his hope of having a son but seemed to adjust well to being the only man in a house full of women.
After more than 30 happy years at Knudtsen, Mike realized his dream of owning his own shop when he opened Dents 'n More. It is a terrible irony that the profession that he loved and with which he provided so well for his family was the cause of his dementia. Years of exposure to paint chemicals led to his forced retirement in 2017.
In 1972, Mike accepted the Lord as his Savior. From that moment on, you couldn’t meet Mike without knowing that he had given his life to God. Mike spent years as a leader in his church community, always willing to fill a need, lend a helping hand or just be a faithful friend. Mike truly lived out his faith and it is because of that faith that his family can celebrate his passing knowing that he is waiting for them in Heaven.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, George White; his stepbrother, Tom White; and his son-in-law, Chuck Gerhard. He is survived by his devoted wife; his four beloved daughters, Yulanda (Steve) Smith, Nancy Cowley, Sheri (Matt) Isch, and Sarah Dlouhy; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Tom Roy (Virginia) Cowley; his sister, Diana (Paul “Tick”) Trice; numerous nieces and nephews, and far too much extended family to mention here.
We thank the many friends and family who have supported us with their prayers and want to express a very special thank you to the staff of the Schneidmiller House for the loving care they provided.
A memorial in celebration of Mike’s life was held Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at Grace Bible Church, 152 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden, Idaho. The memorial was livestreamed and is available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCVg1LR7BTDElB8nyFmMfdhw/videos).
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (www.foi.org) or Hospice of North Idaho (www.HONI.org), 2290 West Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.