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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Graves, Michael Matthews

Age 52

GRAVES Michael Matthews September 10, 1961 - November 12, 2013 In loving memory of Michael Matthews Graves, beloved son, uncle, brother, cousin and friend who was taken from us much too soon.

Mike graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1980.

Professionally, Mike was a gifted greensman and creative landscaper, having owned his own landscaping business, as well as working for numerous local companies.

He also spent time working in the food service industry and was a talented home chef.

He took great joy in cooking and sharing his culinary delights with family and friends.

His “Menu of the Day” Facebook posts (and the resulting requests for dinner invitations!)

will truly be missed.

Mike was a sports fan and avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and golfing.

His other favorite outdoor activity was tramping weekend garage sales.

He loved gifting family and friends with his finds.

Mike was a skilled musician, and percussion was his passion.

In his youth, he was a long-time, dedicated member of the Percussion Naut Patriots, traveling and performing in Europe, Disneyland, Washington DC and at Expo 74.

He is survived by his father Aldridge M. Graves; mother Dereth J. Wright; brother Damon Graves (Angie); sister Kathryn Faiman; nieces and nephews Brendan, Aaron, Meagan, Hannah, Stephanie, Samuel and Devin; cousins Stephanie Aden, Anastasia Elmore and Eugenia Howe; aunts Alanna Johnson and Carla Lestrade and uncle Alex Villa as well as many other relations and close friends.

Mike was a kind-hearted, generous and gentle soul who was loved by many.

He cherished the people in his life and was happiest spending time with those he cared for.

He will be deeply missed but will always be with us in our memories and love for him.

Please join us for a memorial celebration of his life at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 22nd at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division.

Visit Mike’s on-line memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of condolence.