Michael ‘Mike’ ‘M.J.’ Joseph Vigue, 80

Michael ‘Mike’ ‘M.J.’ Joseph Vigue, 80, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 17, 2018.

He was born April 3, 1937, in Ione, Wash., to Milford Sr. and Margaret Vigue. Mike grew up in Spokane, Wash., and was one of six children. Mike graduated from Central Valley High School and the University of Washington with a bachelor of science in business. He spent time serving in the Army National Guard Reserves. In 1966, Mike met Barbara Nelson while they were both residing in Seattle, Wash., and she quickly became the love of his life. They were married a year later, on March 18, 1967, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Seattle. They resided in Seattle until 1974, then moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to raise their family. Mike and Barbara recently celebrated a milestone of 50 years of marriage this past March.

Mike was known for his gentle soul and his great sense of humor to many. He was a fixer in home improvement projects and always bringing his family together. His family will greatly miss his wit, loyalty and protection of his family. He loved playing softball, traveling, watching Husky games, reading sci-fi books and spending time with his family. Mike spent his last five years fighting cancer with grace and dignity.

Mike will be greatly missed by friends and family. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara N. Vigue; daughters Bretta (Jon) Walker and Cherise (Stuart) Thompson and son Michael Vigue. He was a beloved grandfather, known as ‘Boppa’ to five grandchildren, Braxton, Taylor, Kasey Jo, Jarod Vigue and Brady Thompson, and great-grandchildren, Nakiesha, Madilynn and Kaliyah.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Judy Herrera and Linda Crisp, and brother Bill Vigue. Surviving siblings include Helen Toothaker and Phil Vigue. He loved his siblings and extended family dearly.

At Mike’s request, his celebration of life will be held in the spring at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with immediate family. A party in his honor is planned for Jan. 27, 2018, at his family home. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Mike’s memorial and sign his online guestbook www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.