December 18, 1947 - December 21, 2016
Michael Newman "Mike" McDaniel Obituary
Michael Newman McDaniel (Mike) was called by the Good Lord on December 21, 2016 after a four-year battle with cancer of the throat and tongue. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Wayne and Ruby Eddy Lee McDaniel, a family involved with the oil fields of Oklahoma. Mike is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Suzie Servatius McDaniel of Spokane; a sister Cynthia Louise and her husband Allen Butler, and their two children Jeremy and Lindsay of Ada, Oklahoma, and their ten grandchildren; two children in South Carolina, Chad and wife Teresa with their three children Michael, Amber, and Andrea, and seven grandchildren; and his daughter Tamara.
Mike served in the Air Force 1966 through 1971 as a Jet Engine Mechanic in places such as Spain and Libya. After the service he became an ASE Certified Machinist, received a college degree, and was active in the Society of Automotive Engineers for twenty-five years. He retired in 2005 and as he always said "I work in order to play".
And play he did. Mike owned motorcycles from the time he was in high school and loved his Harleys. He also spent time in the "woods" and country side riding ATVs, camping, and hunting. He boated and kayaked the lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. Rock climbing, hang-gliding, roller blading, and bicycling where all activities that Mike enjoyed. But, he didn't stop there - he loved helping his neighbors with whatever was needed, yard work, repairs, or inviting them for a dip in his pool.
He was loyal to his family, honest and truthful in all that he did. Throughout his married life he and Suzie moved around living in Puerto Rico, Iowa, Vancouver, Puyallup, but always returned home to Spokane close to family; yet always staying in touch with the friends they made in other places.
For twenty-five plus years they camped with family and friends in Idaho, having a great fondness for the Idaho wilderness near the ghost towns and mining areas outside of Wallace Idaho. In October 2016 relatives and friends helped Mike "bag" a 900-pound Bull Moose, a life time dream, knowing it was his last hunt. Mike was always happy and a great one for telling a story that would make you smile and laugh, and of course he was a "true Okie" and loved Oklahoma University (OU) football.
We would like to thank and acknowledge the Hospice of Spokane, Cancer Care Northwest, Dr. Mark Sienko and his team, Holy Family Hospital, Manor Care, and Dr. Jeffrey Bunn and his team at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic for all their dedication and care they provided.
Please join us January 14, 2017 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 515 West St. Thomas More Way, Spokane at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon immediately after Mass in the parish hall. In honor of his love for OU wear something red for the services.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of Spokane or a charity of your choice.
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