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BORN
06/29/1938
DIED
05/22/2011
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Rafter Obituary
RAFTER,
Michael
Thomas
"Mike"
(Age 72)
Entered his final rodeo "in the sky" on May 22, 2011. He was born June 29, 1938 in Seattle, WA to the late Michael J. and Patricia Rafter. He is survived by his wife, Joanie, of 33 years and five children; Deborah, Jim (Michele), Shawn, Stephanie and Katie; and two grandchildren, Mikala and Justin. He is also survived by his brother Tim (Judy) and sister Kathleen as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Also missed greatly by his dog and "pard" Bo. Mike always lived hard and loved huge. He was very active in 4-H and FFA and is still known as "Big Mike" and "Pops" to many. Mike loved a good rodeo, good whiskey and a good laugh. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Medical Lake, WA. Father Jack Krier officiating. Rememberances may be made in Mike's name to any 4-H or FFA organization.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rafter
3 Entries
June 13, 2011
Mike, you are in my thoughts and prayers always. I Love you always and forever. We will meet up again and that will be a time of joy and an answer to my prayers. I will miss your protective guiding advice and helpful hand always there when I was in most need. Your self confidence and natural instinct to how all needed tasks got done was like a miracle to me and your niece and nephew ( Amy and Bryce). Your very favorite PAL Judy misses your smiling face, great sense of humor with straight talk to the heart strings of her Love for you always and forever. Keep us safe and protect us always while enjoying your favorite place in heaven and all our family and host of friends who are so glad to hug and hold you tight....
Love and Prayers Forever;
Amy, Judy, Bryce and Timothy J Rafter
Niece, Sister-In-Law, Nephew, and Brother
Richard Rothmund
June 8, 2011
Mike,you will truly be missed by MANY people.
You will always be in our hearts,along with your family.
Mike loved the kids,both in 4-H and FFA.and they all loved him in return,he was a great mentor and leader,and a friend.I will always remember his smiling face,no matter how bad the day might be going,his smile just made it better.
Rest in Peace my friend and keep roping them cows in heaven.
Forever Friends,Rich and Flo Rothmund
Patricia Dantzler
June 8, 2011
Mike, thank you for being in my life. With your heart of gold and strong right hook! Your love of children and animals big and small, your devotion to friends and family, and willingness to help at the drop of a hat for any crisis - and over the years there have been many.
I will miss your "I love you's" and sloppy kisses - and especially your teasing and sense of humor that still makes me hear Loran's laughter. You are greatly loved, and will be greatly missed, my dear friend and brother-in-law.
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Heritage Funeral & Cremation508 North Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224
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