Michael Harvey Fuehrer

Michael (Mike) Harvey Fuehrer, formerly of Boise, died unexpectedly February 7th in a Portland hospital. He was born July 11, 1944, to Albert and Louise Fuehrer in Brunswick, Ga., where his navy father was based. The family lived on both coasts until war's end, then moved to Boise where Michael grew up, graduating from Boise High in 1962, then later earning a music degree at University of Idaho. Michael's great love was music. He was a proficient drummer, and through the years he won honors and was involved in various bands and orchestras, including the "Fabulous Chancellors". At one time, Michael taught cane travel and life skills at the Idaho Commission for the Blind. Later he studied computer programming, then worked at the State Auditor's office before being hired by Ore-Ida Co. Some years later he moved to Oregon and spent the remaining work years at the OR Highway Dept., U.S. Bankcorp, and finally Regence Blue Shield. Besides music, Michael's interests were in volunteering for Search and Rescue and medical emergency work. He also loved art, concerts, animals, sports - even climbing Mt. Borah. He also enjoyed the lasting friendships with former Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity brothers. Michael was raised in the Baptist tradition, and as a youth became a Christian and was baptized. In later years he moved to the Unitarian faith and was active in both the Boise and Portland Unitarian churches. Michael leaves a loving family who miss him dearly. He is survived by his mother, Louise Fuehrer of Puyallup, Wash., a sister, Valerie (Ray) Cassingham of Sumner, Wash., a brother, Richard (Elaine) Fuehrer of Filer, Idaho, and special nephews and a niece, Jason and Alex Fuehrer, Kim, Luke (Amy), and Nathan Cassingham, a grand-niece, Kyrsten Grant, and three step nieces Topaz Cadena, Trista DeLong, and Tembre' DeLong. He was preceded in death by his father, a sister-in-law, and a young cousin. A graveside service (with seating) will be Saturday, 2 p.m., May 1st at Lower Fairview Cemetery (on McMillan Rd. ¼ mile east of Star Rd.) Michael had great compassion for the less fortunate. Please direct any tributes to a food bank or similar charity.