Michael Allen 'Mike' Stotts, 54

Michael Allen "Mike" Stotts, 54, died Thursday Sept. 22, 2005, at the Northwest Health Center in Kalispell.

Mike was born on Oct. 10, 1950, in Kalispell. He attended schools in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School in 1969.

He enlisted in the Army in 1969, and served his country with pride until 1972 as a military police officer. Upon returning to the Flathead Valley, Mike worked for a short time as a firefighter in Kalispell, prior to becoming a police officer in Columbia Falls.

His wish was to stay in law enforcement in some capacity, so he sponsored himself to the Backster Polygraph School in San Diego, and became a polygraph examiner. His background as a military policeman, fireman, Columbia Falls policeman and polygraph examiner made his transition in 1979 to become a deputy state fire marshal for the state of Montana a comfortable and successful move.

Because of his dedication to his work, he was honored by being selected for training many times at the National Fire Academy. His career took him across the state of Montana on fire investigations and inspections. He received thousands of hours of furthering education in the fire investigation field, and had returned from one such school in Denver on the day "the Lord decided He needed Mike" more than those he left behind.

Mike became a member of the Smith Valley Fire Department in 1990, and had been a member of the Flathead Fire Investigation team since 1989. He was a member of many professional associations, a few being the International Association of Arson Investigators, Montana Association of Arson Investigators, Montana Fire Chiefs, Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, International Fire Code Institute, Montana Association of Polygraph Examiners, Northwest Polygraph Association and American Association of Police Polygraphists.

He received an award from the attorney general of the state of Montana for more than 30 years of community-related service, and several letters of appreciation for the work he has done over the years.

Mike is a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, a member of the Kalispell Elks, member of the Kalispell Lodge No. 42 A.F. & A.M. and the Algeria Shrine.

Mike loved his family, church and life. He loved to camp, golf and spend time with friends. He especially enjoyed his trips to Hawaii, and was looking forward to another trip this year. He touched the hearts of anyone he ever came in contact with, and will be missed by so very many.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Alleene and Morgan Stotts, and one sister, Marschell Logan.

He is survived by his loving partner of eight years, Kathy McAllister, of Kalispell; daughter, Erin, and son, Shawn Stotts, both of Las Vegas; brothers, Dick Stotts, and wife, Lorraine, of Kalispell, and Jim Stotts and wife, Adeline, of Las Vegas; and son, Scott Salter of Portland, from a previous union.

Anyone who ever met Mike became a member of a very extensive extended family who all loved him dearly and will miss him deeply.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, both at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, with the Rev. Glenn Burfeind officiating. Several of the local fire departments will participate in his honor. Burial will take place at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with military honors being conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.