Michael Hamilton Black

Michael Hamilton Black passed away peacefully in his home in Moses Lake with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, after a short battle with AML Leukemia.

Michael was born Sept. 20, 1935 in Newport, WA to Leo and Mary Ellen (Huff) Black. Michael was raised near his grandfather's Meadowbrook Farm in Priest Lake, Idaho. He loved nature and went trapping with his father from the age of two years old. His family later moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. He graduated from Sandpoint High School where he was the Class President and attended Boys State. He went on to study at the University of Idaho for two years, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Princeton as an airman assigned to the ships catapults. He married his sweetheart LaRene Fowles on May 31, 1958. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Mike worked for a propane company that transferred him to Othello, WA, where they started their life together. He owned and operated Mike Black Photography Studio and Outdoor Designs Landscaping business.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved doing genealogy. He enjoyed his work in the Boy Scouts of America; he received the Silver Beaver Award and just recently received the Wally Morris Lifetime Achievement Award. He was instrumental in his four sons all achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, wood carving, taking pictures and spending time with his dear family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, LaRene, one daughter La Dawn and Dan Reynolds of Quincy, WA, four sons Michael and Teresa of Othello, WA, Ryan and Shelley of Kodiak, AK, Troy and Kristina of Hayden Lake, ID and Toby and Rosalie of Moses Lake, WA; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, his dear mother Mary Ellen Black of Sandpoint, ID and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his dad, Leo H. Black, one brother Glen W. and a grandson James M. Cox.

There will be a viewing on Friday, April 15, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stake Center, 1515 S. Division St., Moses Lake. Graveside services will be held in Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens, Othello, WA at 9:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2011 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stake Center, 1515 S. Division St., Moses Lake.

Please visit www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com to leave a note or message for Michael's family and sign his online guestbook.

Michael's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for arrangements.