Mike McAuliffe, 81
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, Mike McAuliffe. Dad passed away on April 1, 2023, at his home overlooking Flathead Lake in Somers.
Dad was born June 28, 1941, in Minneapolis to Homer and Gladys McAuliffe. He was raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In his youth, Mike loved to play baseball. And he was not just a one-sport star, in high school Mike was the free-throw champ of Cheyenne, making an incredible 48-50!
Mike was astute with numbers and early on he knew he wanted to pursue a career in finance. In 1964 he graduated from the University of Wyoming with a master of science in business administration. During this time, he also married Joyce Chapman and had two children, Mandy and Mike Jr.
Mike received an offer from the Shell corporation and the family moved to Los Angeles. He and Joyce had a third child, Mary Alice.
In 1969, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit came out and he, Joyce and three children moved to Kalispell and acquired Western Business and Tax Service which he owned and operated for over 40 years. Mike had a loyal client base that not only considered him to be an exceptional tax accountant, but also a true friend. Mike was always willing to take trades in lieu of payment from clients in need.
However, as much as Mike appreciated business, he loved home life even more. The family enjoyed weekend trips to Spokane and Missoula, fishing at Lake Koocanusa and Lake Mary Ronan, and drives to Glacier National Park.
As the kids grew older Mike continued to stay involved. He was active in youth sports for all his children. He also was instrumental in making sure all his kids graduated from college.
In 2001, Mike and his wife Jeannie moved to Somers overlooking the majestic Flathead Lake. Over the years the Somers home became a frequent place for family visits. Mike’s children and grandchildren will always remember with fondness “Papa Bear” and Jeannie’s love and hospitality during those magical summer and winter vacations. Sweet memories of picking Flathead cherries, attending Bigfork plays, drinking malts, enjoying Dad’s barbecues and “God Moving Over the Face of Waters” will always be with us.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Gladys; his brother Patrick; his nephew Pat Jr, his children’s mother Joyce Williams, and his wife Jeannie. He is survived by his sister, Sandy Behles; daughters, Amanda Gamache (Mitch), Mary Alice Maloncon (Gary); son Michael McAuliffe Jr. (Carolyn); and five grandchildren (Erika, Julia, Gary, Mariah, and Michael).
Dad will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all that knew him, and we know we will see him again.
Donations can be made to the Lakeside Quick Response Unit at lakesideqru.org/donate