Michael Rodney Read, 74
Michael Rodney Read, 74, passed away Dec. 9, 2019, at his home in Ponderay, Idaho.
He is survived by his daughter, Natalie Read; and his siblings in England, Jill (Chittock) Cooper, Keith Chittock and Ray Chittock. “Mike the Limey” was born Dec. 6, 1945, in the village of Stutton, Suffolk, United Kingdom. At the age of 16, Mike joined the Merchant Marines which gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world. After two years of service, he moved to Canada to work on oil rigs and operate harvesters in the fields of Alberta. Despite his travels early on, he never lost his English accent.
After arriving in Sand-point in 1973, Mike knew he had finally found his home. He set off on a crusade to ensure soccer was available for all ages around the small community. Mike coached and refereed three generations of soccer players, while training future coaches and referees as well. His vision and years of effort brought about the donation of a “field of dreams”— 50 acres of playing fields in Ponderay. Thanks to him, Sandpoint has become an active soccer town, and Mike could never shop at Yoke’s without being greeted by men and women reminding him that he had coached them and/or their children and grandchildren.
Mike was also a skilled contractor, and was loyal to the people who worked with him and earned their loyalty in return. He loved reading and learning, and was a born rebel and truly independent thinker who thrived in a crisis. He was stubborn, generous, creative and funny, with a well-developed ability to apologize with grace.
Mike was 53 when his beloved daughter Natalie was born. He called her “the best surprise of my life” and joked with pride, “I’m afraid she’s becoming like her old Dad.” Mike regarded raising Natalie as his greatest experience and achievement.
Mike’s life was celebrated in September with a “living wake,” as he called it — a party he threw after learning that he had just a short time to live. It was a great party.
The date and time of Mike’s celebration of life is to be determined.