Michael S. Dickson, 64

Michael S. Dickson, 64, was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., to William and Barbara Dickson, while his dad was on a music tour. His dad was an accomplished violinist and played country & western music with Johnny Cash. Mike attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas.  

Mike was an entrepreneur with a successful landscaping company in Portland, Ore. After moving to North Idaho, he owned and operated M&T Properties, was licensed as a contractor and completed home rehabs and maintenance work. Mike also was a licensed real estate salesman, working for Coldwell Banker/Schneidmiller Realty. For the past 12 years, Mike has transformed Elk Mountain Ranch into a top vacation-rental destination in the Northwest, visited by hundreds of guest families.

A multi-talented genius, Mike could operate any piece of heavy equipment, with his favorite being his Cat 312 Excavator. He built multiple trout ponds, mountain roads, waterfalls, bridges, wells, buildings and decks. He could fix anything that was broken, a bird's wing or a truck. He was the great healer of anything sick, broken or damaged. He filled barren spaces with flowers. Always the strong, good, honest and Godly man, he fixed broken hearts. In December of 2007, he met Susan Dredge, broken by a 20-year abusive marriage. He transformed her with love, wisdom, patience, compassion and years of counseling. Susan became the love of his life for the past 18 1/2 years. Life with Mike was a gift and a privilege.

Mike loved God's cathedral of the outdoors; exploring Idaho's mountains and mines, fishing, camping, boating, biking and zip-lining. He studied the history of Idaho and the forgotten ghost towns and old mines in the Silver Valley. He amassed a library of books on Idaho's history equal to any museum and became an accomplished historian.

Mike's great legacy was his beloved children: his son, Aaron; his beautiful daughters, Kayla and Katie; and his daughter-in-law, Roni. He was a devoted father, teaching them and always available for wise counseling or advice. Mike also endured a tumultuous first marriage. Mike, always a humble man, requested no service. His daughter, Kayla, would direct you to Aaron Tippin's song, "You've Got to Stand for Something." We would also direct you to Wayne Watson's song, "Home Free." Mike is also survived by his brother, William Dickson, and his wife, Randi, who reside in Oregon. 

Mike left us on the Sabbath, Saturday, June 20, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving children and Susan. Even as he passed into the arms of God, the morning sun broke over the mountains, filling his face and the room with a breathtaking, ethereal light that was supernatural. It was like watching the death of a saint. He left this earth with a smile on his face, comforting those who will miss him and love him forever.

You may sign Mike’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

    Dickson