Michael YATES Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Michael YATES
Start: 2022-08-21T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Circling Raven Golf Club

Cheney - Michael Yates, a long-time resident of Spokane, WA died on August 7, 2022, at the family home in Cheney, Washington after a defiant battle with leukemia. A Celebration of Life will be held at Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho at 12 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Michael is survived by his wife of 24 years, Brenda, and children: Devin, Mackenzie, and Keely Yates; Kaari (Mitchell), Amanda (Dahlstrom), Claire (Dahlstrom), Tess (Dahlstrom Smith), and twelve grandchildren. He was born in Chehalis, Washington, and graduated from Ballard High School. Mike served in the Navy and did three tours in Vietnam. He returned stateside to become a crab fisherman in Alaska. Returning to Washington, Michael eventually moved to Spokane to finish his education, which he did, at Eastern Washington University. For over 32 years, Michael served in the Spokane Police Department, retiring as Sergeant in 2005. Michael was a leader in the department, and he was proud of SPD. As a member of SWAT, founder of the Bicycle Patrol, and also downtown Sergeant, he had a lasting influence on the department as well as the community he served. He was involved in many community projects and outreach programs, advocating for the vulnerable. Of particular pride for Michael was he was involved in the creation of Hope House for the women of Spokane who needed shelter and safety. Michael Yates was an extraordinary man, a man of integrity, kindness, and strength. He will be missed by those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Spokane.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Aug. 14, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael YATES

8 Entries

Mike Fitzpatrick

November 28, 2022

11/28/2022
I have recently returned to Spokane after living away for a short time and just learned of Mike´s passing. I first want to express my heartfelt condolences to Brenda and all of Mike´s family.

I first met Mike Yates in 1980 when I was a recruit at the Spokane Police Academy and he was a part time instructor. Although I worked for Richland PD our paths frequently crossed after the academy. When cases I worked had a connection to Spokane, Mike was my go-to guy for assistance, and he would call me when he needed something out of the Tri-Cities.

You see Mike was all about being a team player. He didn´t care what shape your badge was, what color your uniform was, or how big or small your agency was. We were all on the same team according to him and protecting the public was always the priority. That is a professional trait all officers should possess.

In 2002 my career took me to Spokane and we continued to work even more frequently together, particularly when he was involved with the intelligence unit. When other agents I worked with needed help researching a name involved with their case, Mike was the guy I referred them to. It wasn´t long before everybody in our office knew Mike and his outstanding crew.

After Mike retired, we touched base often, sometimes twice a month. The conversations were often about family or golf, or horses, or houses, and of course all the "great" things we had done as officers. Mike was always good for an interesting and often a very funny story.

Mike Yates was a truly courageous and compassionate human being. A genuine quiet hero if there ever was one. Mike possessed all the qualities young and old officers should strive to develop. When our conversations turned to family Mike always spoke of his with pride, and hope, and love no matter what the life circumstances were that we were discussing.

Thank you, my friend, for the comradery and friendship we shared. I am glad you are now at peace.

God Bless America and Those Who Protect Her

Mike Fitzpatrick

Brandy Au

September 19, 2022

My sincerest condolences to Mike's family and friends. I had the opportunity to care for Mike and meet his lovely wife Brenda. Mike was the kindest, most gentle person. I feel blessed to have known him. Thoughts and prayers to Brenda and the family.

Brandy Au, RN

Josh and Chris Grant

August 20, 2022

We are thinking of all of you as you celebrate your father's life and sharing in your sadness as you remember him. We are sorry for your loss.

Jan Colburn (radio)

August 18, 2022

Brenda and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.

Judi Mullikin

August 16, 2022

Tammie Girl, I'm so very sorry for your loss and for your family.
Love and Hugs from your friend from so long ago, Judi

Christine Ourada Throckmorton

August 16, 2022

Wow what a wonderful life of service Michael had I mostly knew Michaels parents my uncle Bud and aunt Beverly and sister Tammie who is my age What a wonderful and fun loving family to be a part of Many thoughts and prayers coming your way Love Christine from Seattle

Nancy White

August 15, 2022

I met Mike Yates in the late1980's. He was a Sergeant with the Spokane Police Department and I was the Assistant Director of the Spokane Public Library. In 1989 we were partnered as trainers along with a number of other civilian-police training partners out at the Police Academy. We were all dedicated to offering cross cultural training for the Academy classes. I was so blessed to get to know him. He was strong, sharp, good hearted, honorable. So deserving of respect and admiration. He genuinely cared about people, and worked to make things better, regardless of the circumstances. I can only hope that there are young men and women in the Spokane Police Department now who are striving to live up to his example. He will be sorely missed.

Washington State

August 14, 2022

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.II guy

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