Michael Darcy, 55

Michael Darcy, 55, of Coeur d’Alene, went to heaven Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012.

He was an avid, experienced hiker pursuing one of his passions — hiking a mountain top. He was summiting Gooseberry Peak, elevation of 11,090 feet, near Salmon when he lost his footing and fell about 100 feet. After a 911 call from Michael Darcy and best efforts from Custer County Search and Rescue, upon reaching him the team found that he had passed away peacefully.

Michael Darcy was born May 14, 1957, in Missoula, Mont. Michael moved to Coeur d’Alene with his family at the age of 6 where he resided. From a young age, Michael was involved in sports and athletics. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1975 and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1979 with a degree in recreation. He always had a love for the outdoors and staying active. He was a quiet person who was kind and gentle, and lived a simple, peaceful life.

Although he never married and had children of his own, family was very important to him. He was an outstanding big brother to his sister, Sue and her husband, Mike, and his brother, Rick. He was there whenever they needed anything from walking Rick’s dogs to taking care of Sue’s cats. He was always a phone call away. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Mike” to his nephew, Peter, and niece, Chloe, who were a priority in his life. He rarely missed a sporting event, school event or important milestone in their lives. He had a gift for making the simple things special for them.

In addition to his love of hiking mountains in Idaho and Montana he also was passionate about his photography. He enjoyed taking pictures of the different peaks and adventures along his journeys, however he was very quiet and humble about his accomplishments in life.

Michael was a devout Christian who attended Candlelight Christian Fellowship. More importantly his personal commitment to the Lord was his driving force in life.

He was a recreation specialist for the Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation Department. He helped hundreds of children, teens and adults every year purse their sports interests. He did everything from accepting applications to organizing teams and schedules. He was well liked by his co-workers and will be greatly missed in the community.

Michael was born to Emmett Mike Darcy and Myrna Moore Darcy. He is survived by his mother, Myrna McElwaine of Spokane; his sister, Sue Darcy Hutter and her husband, Mike, and their children, Peter and Chloe of Coeur d’Alene; and his brother, Rick Darcy of Post Falls.

The memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, 5725 N. Pioneer Drive, Coeur d’Alene, with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.

The family prefers memorials to Custer County Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 344, Challis, ID 83226.

You may visit Michael’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. If you would like to view Michael’s hiking site please go to www.summitpost.org/users/montanaboy/17585.