Michael Spears

To know Michael Spears was to love him. He approached life with boundless energy and enthusiasm, lighting up every room he entered. First came his smile, then his signature greeting — an enthusiastic “my friend!” — always followed by a hug. From there, the stories would flow, often accompanied by photos of food, tales of his latest travels, or an account of his most recent sailing adventure.

His passion for cooking and sharing meals was unparalleled. A truly exceptional amateur chef, he could have easily worked professionally, but for him, food was about more than just technique — it was about connection. Whether he was preparing a feast for friends, creating something special for family, or meticulously perfecting a dish just for the joy of it, he poured love into every plate he served. If you had the privilege of cooking with him — or being cooked for — you were part of something special, a bond formed through laughter, stories, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal.

Michael was born on July 28, 1965, to Clifford and Connie (Bell) Spears in Mesa, AZ. His family moved to Pocatello, ID in 1971. As the eldest of seven children, Michael set the tone for his siblings with his adventurous spirit and strong work ethic. He graduated from Highland High School in 1983 before earning his Master Plumbers License, running his own businesses for nearly 35 years.

He met the love of his life, Jackie Flowers, more than twenty-two years ago and his family grew even larger with the addition of her children. Michael embraced his role as a loving father figure, extending his kindness, patience, and unwavering support to all of his children. As his kids built families of their own, he welcomed their partners with the same warmth, and becoming a grandfather brought him immeasurable joy.

The best way we can honor Michael is by living as he did — with joy, curiosity, kindness, and an open heart. Cook for the people you love. Seek adventure. Learn something new. Make the people around you feel like they belong. Imagine what a beautiful world it would be if we all tried to be a little more like Michael.

Michael is survived by a family he dearly loved: his father Clifford Spears and mother Connie (Bell) Spears of Pocatello ID; his son Chaz (Ashlee) Spears and three granddaughters (Milly, Kynzlee, Rynlee) of Amarillo, TX; his son Daventry (Allie) Spears and one expected grandson (Oliver) of Idaho Falls, ID; his son Sawyer (sweetheart Brittney Walker) of Idaho Falls, ID; his daughter Mary (Justin) Welborn of Boise, ID; his sweetheart and life partner Jackie Flowers of Tacoma, WA; her parents Bill and Grace Moriarty of Bullhead City AZ; her brother Nathan (Jennifer) Moriarty of Phoenix AZ; his brother Jeffrey (Catheryn Cage) Spears of Memphis, TN; his sister Robyn (Tim) DeZego of Naples, FL; his sister Valerie (Joseph Griffin) Spears of Austin, TX; his sister Julie (Eddie) Sutton of San Jose, CA; his brother Matt (Leiah Ostler) Spears of Pocatello, ID; and his brother Dallen Hoffer of Portland, OR; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

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