January 08, 1948 - March 03, 2016
STRAND, Michael Charles (Age 68) - Michael Charles Strand “Stoney” passed away at home on March 3rd 2016 with his wife and daughters at his side. Preceding him in death were his parents Carl and Ileene Strand and his daughter Carleen Strand-Priebe. He is survived by his wife Loretta Strand; his daughters, sons-in law, and grandchildren; ChristieStrand & Sean Tracy, Alexi; Mikel Strand & Dan Schlichting, Peyton, Chris, Sam; Mark Priebe, Jordan, Cole; his sisters and families; Elizabeth ‘Bootsie’ Kwelberg & Dan, Gayle, Todd, Lesa; Carole Luppens, Dennis; and his aunt Phyllis Northrop. Mike was born January 8th 1948 in Spokane Washington, where he was raised. He graduated North Central High School in 1966 with his sweetheart Loretta, who he married June 20th 1966. They made their family home in Greenacres, where they have lived the last 37 years. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary of marriage this year. Mike’s career driving semi-trucks spanned 47 years during which he traveled almost all 50 states. He was very proud that during his years of work, he had driven over 5 million accident free miles. Mike worked at Fiberform/Bayliner for 31 years where he made many lifelong friends and acquired his nickname ‘Stoney’ after a rodeo bronc rider, which would stick with him the rest of his life. Our Stoney worked hard, and played hard. He loved to camp, dirt bike, fish, hunt, and ride horses with friends and family. It seemed to be pure luck that he lived through those dirt biking years. He was a lover of all animals, but none more so than his horse Mackita, who he enjoyed many trail rides with (not always staying on the trail, and not always staying on the horse!) Stoney loved to sit by the fire, telling stories (some true), telling jokes (most bad), singing his favorite songs (pretending he could play guitar) and dancing with his girls. He loved to share his vast knowledge of life as he saw it with his kids and grandkids. Lake Koocanusa will always be a special place for everyone, as his favorite place to spend time with his favorite people. These were the times he loved most, out in the woods with his loved ones; whether friends or family, everyone was family to him. He retired from Fiber Reclaim in 2013, and moved his ‘office’ to the Saddle Sore to be closer to his many good friends there. Although self-proclaimed ‘six feet tall and bullet proof’, one year after retiring he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Stoney battled long and hard, surprising everyone around him, including his doctors. He “cowboy’d up” and was courageous in his fight, not giving up until his last breath. Stoney lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. *We ask that you raise a glass and toast our Cowboy.* The family will be having a private ceremony to bury his ashes next to his daughter at the Pines Cemetery. ~A memorial celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.~ In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Spokane. The family would like to thank; Laura RN from Hospice and Marie Brendan ARNP - we love and appreciate you so much; also, Dr. Jay Wittenkeller and Dr. John Demakus for giving us extra time with our guy – it meant the world. Community Cremation & FuneralSpokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
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