Obituary - Michael J. Speck

Michael J. Speck, 63, Clarkston

Michael (Mike) Jan Speck of Clarkston passed away Friday, May 15, 2009, at the Clarkston Care Center. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer three months earlier. He was 63.

Mike was born Aug. 17, 1945, in Moscow, to Irvin Martin Speck and Marie Elizabeth Cummings-Speck. He spent his early years in Genesee before moving to Lewiston in 1954.

He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1963. His years at Lewiston High had a strong impact on his future life. His passion and knowledge of automobiles and mechanics were developed through the schools' vocational classes. It was also the place where he met his future wife. They were married in Lewiston on May 29, 1965, and had four children together.

He predominately raised his family in Clarkston with the exception of a three-year period of time between 1968 and 1972, when he took a job with Pacific Car and Foundry in Renton, Wash. In the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley he worked for a number of auto repair shops before starting his own in 1981. The business started out as Hilltop Auto Repair in the Orchards and relocated in 1986 to Snake River Avenue as M and G Auto. In 1990, Mike made a career change and began working for the maintenance department at the Clarkston Country Club.

His hobbies included fishing, golfing, and auto racing. In his youth he spent a fair amount of time at the Lewiston Speedway, watching the races and working on his friends' cars. As he grew older he took to golfing with his friends and relatives and watching NASCAR on television.

Mike is survived by his ex-wife of Clarkston; one daughter; three sons and two daughters-in-law; and four grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Carolyn Flerchinger, and Carolyn's husband Stan.

A memorial will be conducted from noon to 2 p.m. June 13, at the Lewiston Community Center.

The online guest book may be signed at www.mt-viewfuneralhome.com.

Lewiston Tribune, May 28, 2009, p. 5C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock