Longtime Kootenai County public defender Michael Clapin passed away late last month.

Michael’s family is hosting a celebration of his life this Saturday (Sept. 7) at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 East 12th Ave, in Spokane.

Michael was a trusted friend and will be missed by his family, colleagues, and clients.

A graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law, Michael started with the Kootenai County Public Defender Office in 1999 and worked there until he passed.

That continued service – and commitment to the people of Kootenai County – for over two decades is honorable and inspiring.  There are not many 79-year-olds who feel compelled to do such difficult and essential work every day, but he was not deterred.

His co-workers described Michael as a mentor and father-figure, always willing to share wisdom, especially with younger attorneys.  He had an analytical style and led by example. For the last several years, Micheal worked juvenile cases because he cared deeply about fairness for young people in the justice system.

Idaho may be a far-flung state but the public defense community is tight. If anyone wants to share memories, or a story, or just some thoughts about Michael Clapin for his family, please send those to cwright@kcgov.us

Michael died from a heart attack on Aug. 26.

Michael lived a long, diverse, and interesting life. He was born in England, moved to Idaho in his youth, graduated from the University of Oregon, served with distinction as a U.S. Marine, moved to New York, and worked in finance before he moved back to Idaho, earned a law degree, and became a public defender.  Please read the Michael Clapin obituary if you’d like to find out more about his life.