Michael J. Plantz, 68

I was born to George and Marjorie Plantz on Jan. 31, 1953, in Detroit, Mich. My family and I lived in Farmington, Mich., until I turned 6 years old. That summer of 1959, Dad moved us to a farm in Novi, Mich. Boy, it didn’t take me long to figure out I was not thrilled about milking cows, plucking chickens, pulling weeds, and just all-around farm work.

But thankfully it wasn’t all work … there was still plenty of time for me to torment my older siblings and turn my parents’ hair prematurely gray. Yep, I was a bit of a rascal. At 14 and out of school, Dad packed me, Mom, my older sisters Po and Linda in the van, hooked up the camper trailer and headed west and we spent the entire summer camping in various spots from Michigan to Idaho.

By end of summer, it was time for the family to settle down and get us three kids back in school. We ended up in the little town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. There I met my best friend, Randy Couch … now I had a partner in crime. We had a lot of good times during high school, but the thing I enjoyed most was pitching for the Badgers baseball team. I was pretty darn good, too.

That September after graduating high school, Randy and I joined the Navy where I served on the USS Hancock as an AN. I liked working on the flight deck but when my three years of active duty were up, I decided to leave the Navy and pursue my fortune elsewhere. I wanted to settle somewhere with more opportunities than were available in Bonners but did not want to be too far from home, so I moved to Spokane, Wash.

My big sister, Po, was living there and was a big help in making my transition to life in Spokane successful. Soon after moving to Spokane, I became a chef at the St. Regis Café. Shortly thereafter, I met and fell in love with Cathy (my first wife). We married and had a son, Nicholas. Nicholas became the light of my life.

In-between work and life, I enjoyed skiing the slopes and fishing. Living in Spokane allowed me to spend time with my parents and siblings for holidays, fishing and picnics. Moments spent with family were always cherished times. Later in life the slopes of Utah, Colorado and southern Idaho were calling my name, so off I went. Lots of skiing! Life was good!

While in southern Idaho I met my second love, Karen. Our 16 years together were a true gift from God. My personal health took a turn, so I headed back to Bonners Ferry where my brother Frank helped me navigate the remaining 18 years of my life.

I leave behind my son, Nicholas, who I loved most of all; my four siblings, Rita, Frank, Po and Linda; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good friends. I love you all and thank you all for your love and support. Know that I am at peace now!

P.S. Perfect powder up here! Mikie.