Michael LeRoy Peck, 81

Michael LeRoy Peck, 81, died unexpectedly Jan. 28, 2022, at his home in Spokane, Wash. Mike was born to Arthur “Bud” and June A. (Joy) Peck on Sept. 2, 1940, in Whitefish.

Mike grew up in Rexford and Libby. He attended Eastern Washington University and Western Montana College where he earned his undergraduate degree in secondary education in 1966. Mike met Lois Wilson, who was a new elementary teacher originally from Charlo, and they were married Aug. 25, 1963. While in Libby, they raised their two daughters, Tracy and Lisa.

He began his career in elementary education and quickly realizing that managing other people’s children was not his passion. He decided to follow his father’s footsteps into forestry management and became a logging manager. With his strong leadership and brilliant mathematical skills, Mike led crews of sawyers for more than 24 years under employment of St. Regis Paper Co.

Mike and Lois left Libby and relocated to Spokane in 1989. Mike continued with his thriving gunsmith business while Lois extended her teaching career for another 15 years at Pasadena Park Elementary.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters and their families, and their three grandkids. He enjoyed summers at Flathead Lake with his wife and her large family. A talented gunsmith, he spent countless hours hand-carving beautiful stocks for custom hunting rifles, amassing a large following of buyers from around the world. His craftsmanship attracted attention from national publications as well.

He enjoyed the forest, hiking the beautiful terrain of northwestern Montana. An avid reader with a particular affinity for world history, he would collect a large library over the years, including his own editor notes in margins and highlighted sections of interest.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Tracy (Peck) Mikesell, her husband, Matt Mikesell, and their son, Jackson; and daughter, Lisa Peck, and her daughters, Sophia and Rosalie Minakakis. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, June and Arthur “Bud” Peck, and most recently by his beautiful wife, Lois Peck.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. More information will be posted. To share memories of Mike, visit his Tribute Wall at www.hennesseyvalley.com.