Obituary of Michael Withers

Michael Reed Withers passed away peacefully Saturday evening, August 3, 2013, surrounded by his family and friends. Mike was born to Russell and Carol Withers on May 25, 1970, in Moscow, Idaho, where he grew up, attended the University of Idaho, and met the love of his life, Lisa Wagstaff. He earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Idaho and an MBA from Gonzaga University in 2011. Following his education in Idaho and marriage to Lisa, he served in the U.S. Navy, was stationed in Rhode Island, and worked in the Civil Engineering Corps, coincidentally in the area where Mike had spent two years as an LDS missionary a few years earlier. He was the intellectual property manager at Wagstaff, Inc., having passed the Patent Bar. He managed the patents and trademarks associated with the ongoing business at Wagstaff, Inc. Mike was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed running and playing basketball with his friends and most enthusiastically with his children. With a lifelong passion for learning, he delighted in spending evenings helping his children with their homework. He had a quiet sense of humor that was enjoyed by his associates and was a kind, thoughtful, gentle man who faced his challenges with dignity. Mike was active in the Belle Terre Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as the ward clerk and attended the temple weekly. Prior to this, he served as an Elders' Quorum President and taught Seminary. Mike is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lisa Wagstaff Withers, and their four children: Jacob Michael, Aaron Jonathan, Zachary Thomas, and Emma Kathryn; his parents, Russell and Carol Withers, and his siblings: Marie Withers, Gary (Patti) Withers, Paul (Marie) Withers, Mark (Camille) Withers, Karen (Jim) Smith, Ronald (Tina) Withers, John Withers, and Brian (Summer) Withers, and by many uncles and aunts, cousins, and nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation to all those who have been so kind and helpful during Mike's illness, including friends, medical personnel and Hospice of Spokane. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Spokane Washington East Stake Center, 13608 E. 40th Avenue, Spokane, Washington, with a viewing before the funeral from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the General Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to the American Cancer Society.