Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Thomas Rafter

06/29/1938 - 05/22/2011

Michael Thomas Rafter obituary, 06/29/1938-05/22/2011

BORN

06/29/1938

DIED

05/22/2011

FUNERAL HOME

Heritage Funeral & Cremation

508 North Government Way

Spokane, Washington

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.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Jun. 8 to Jun. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rafter

Not sure what to say?





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.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Rafter's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Rafter

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Heritage Funeral & Cremation

508 North Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Rafter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more