HAYDEN LAKE, ID – Earl Michael Telford, known by his friends and family as Mike, passed away Wednesday, June 24th, at the age of 62. He was born January 15, 1947 in Ogden, Utah to Earl Telford and Joyce Thompson. But Ogden was more than his birthplace: it was where Mike grew up, made life-long friends, and fell in love with his future wife, Colleen King. They married on October 3, 1969. As Mike and Colleen began their lives, they eventually moved to Hayden Lake, where they raised their family among a network of close friends.
Mike was an outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and teaching others to love the wild places of the Northwest. He was also an active member of the community as a coach in softball, basketball and soccer. In his professional life, Mike worked for the same employer for 25 years in Liberty Lake, Washington as a computer programmer. He traveled all over the world for his work; his travels included Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Australia, South America, and numerous cities within the U.S. With his time away from work, however, Mike loved to spend time joking around with family and friends. Among those who knew him, Mike was known as a mechanic, a carpenter, and as a general craftsman who was capable of building anything. He spent much of his time using those skills to make those around him happy.
In 2006, Mike was diagnosed with an acute form of Leukemia. Although he was told he only had one year to live, Mike resolutely fought the disease. Though it was difficult at times, Mike was determined to travel and see family as much as he could. He traveled to Hawaii three times, to Mexico once, and went on many road trips. Mike skied and took surfing lessons in the same year while fighting to enjoy life. No matter how tired or how sick he became, he made sure he enjoyed his life everyday.
Mike is survived by his children: son and daughter in law, Michael & Heather Telford of Post Falls, daughter Natalie Telford of Coeur d'Alene, and son Tyler Telford of Memphis, Tennessee. He has two grandchildren: Garret Telford and Cameron Telford. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Colleen Telford. He is also survived by his girlfriend of four years, Sharon Pataky, one brother, three sisters, and many nieces and nephews. In his final days, he was surrounded by family and friends. It was a testament to the largeness of his life's success.
On June 27th, the family greeted family and friends at the Yates Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A graveside service was held at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens at 11:30 a.m.
