Lloyd Michael 'Mike' Wilson

On May 1, 1946, Lloyd Michael Wilson burst on the scene in Twin Falls, Idaho. His proud parents were Eleanor (Conner) and Lloyd Morse Wilson. On May 12, 2006, he left this world and embarked on a new journey. Preceding him on this journey were his parents and his "big" brother, Gary C. Wilson.

During Mike's early years, the family moved frequently following construction jobs in Arkansas, Arizona, and various towns in southern Idaho. They finally settled in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1952 where Mike attended Lincoln Grade School and Sandpoint junior and senior high schools.

Mike joined the Navy in 1963. He began his 20-year career in communications, switched to the "Sea-Bees" Construction Battalion and finally trained in race relations, human behavior & leadership in E.E.O. positions. Mike proudly served in Vietnam with the NMCB-3 from 1970-71. His numerous "ports of call" took him from Greenland to Florida, Adak, Alaska, Bangor, Washington, Okinawa, and the Philippines.

While in the Philippines, he met and married Dominica Fumar Dotado. It was there in 1968 that their first daughter, Michelle Dale, was born. Michelle and Dominica lived with the Wilson family in Sandpoint while Mike was in Vietnam. Mike and Dominica were blessed with two more daughters, Melissa Lynn in 1972 and Melinda Fumar in 1977.

Mike retired as a first class petty officer. He received a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Navy Unit Commendation Medal.

Post retirement Mike worked for various companies in Idaho, Arizona, and Washington — primarily in construction. At the "tender age" of 45, he pursued a college degree in social work and human resources. He was a couple credits short of a bachelor of arts degree. His last position was as human resource director for Khotol Services in Bremerton, Wash. He moved back to Boise, Idaho, in the fall of 2005.

Mike will be well remembered for his "no-holds bar" sense of humor, his zest for life, and for dreaming "big." Especially notable was his optimism and positive attitude in living and dealing with lung cancer these last two years. His great love was his family; his treasure was his children and grandchildren. He embraced his sister-in-laws Barbara and Cheryle, and brother-in-law, Bruce as siblings. He was especially caring for nieces Valerie Kay and Angela Christine. Mike made everyone he met feel special and important. He wanted you to be happy, pursue your dreams, and to know he loved you.

Mike is survived by his children Michelle (Melvin) Schmittler of Seabeck, Wash., Melissa (Jeff) Nodzu of Boise and Melinda (Ron) Gauyan of Bremerton, Wash.; grandchildren Chelsea and Randy Schmittler, Te Nodzu, Dominique and Joshua Guayan; siblings Terry (Bruce) Burton of Spokane, Wash., Tim (Barbara) Wilson of Richfield, Idaho, and Patrick (Cheryle) Wilson of Priest River, Idaho; and numerous special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is to be held Saturday, May 20, 2006, at the American Legion Hall in Richfield, Idaho, at 1 p.m. Burial service to follow at Richfield Cemetery and a reception gathering to be held at the Richfield Senior Center.

Arrangements in Boise are by Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.