Bonners Ferry Herald, Thursday, May 4, 2006
Michael Douglas Cossairt, 59
Mike passed away in Boise, Idaho, on April 27, from complications of a cerebral aneurysm.
Mike was born to Carl and Evelyn Cossairt in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on May 14, 1946. He has
three sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn and Dr. Gerald Bauman from Caldwell, Audrey and
Don Spalding from Naples, Idaho, Wanda and Collins Lefebvre from Vancouver, Wash., and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike was blessed to grow up in northern Idaho, and learned to love all that Idaho has to offer.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bonners Ferry. He enjoyed all
the activities of family fishing, hiking, huckleberrying, hunting, and teasing his “much older
sisters.” He was raised in a musical household, and carried his love of music through to the
guitar. He even had a band in high school, many in Bonners will remember.
Mike’s mother passed away in 1961. In 1963 Carl married Lorraine Nieman. Lorraine was the
only Cossairt grandmother our children ever knew and she was the perfect one!
Lorraine had three sons: Bill, Joe and Stuart. Finally, Mike had some brothers! Her sons, and
their wives and grandchildren have added a lot to our lives for the past 43 years.
All the Cossairt’s married their high school sweethearts. Mike’s was Thea Bardsley, and they
were married in January 1964. Shortly thereafter, Mike completed his military service, and they
moved to Longview, Wash. He worked at two jobs there until he found his true profession of tax
preparation and tax planning.
Mike had three children, Alina Cossairt Davis, Roy Cossairt, and Mechelle Cossairt Gahley.
He had five grandchildren, Mykayla, Victoria, Aurora and Ace Cossairt, and Kylee Gahley. He
enjoyed all his days with them. He has taught them the value of family, and that love should
guide all their actions.
Mike and his family moved to Caldwell in December of 1973. In those years he has touched
many families through his H&R Block clients, some through three generations.
He always put his clients first and foremost in his business approach. He was loved and respected
by his many employees also, over those many years. He recently sold his business and was
missing his contact with all of them. He was just beginning to plan what he should do with his
retirement, and looking forward to it.
He shared his love of the outdoors with Thea, and they spent many years enjoying camping,
fishing and hunting; the fish and the grouse will enjoy a respite from his endeavors.
Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, at Dakan Funeral Chapel in
Caldwell, at 504 S. Kimball. Even in his death he is sharing his life with others, he was an organ
donor, and is already reaching out to them. There will also be a memorial celebration held later
this summer in the Bonners Ferry area.
We suggest in lieu of flowers, that memorials be made to the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome
Association at: P. O. Box 153, Greenleaf, Idaho, 83626, or your favorite charity.