JOHN MICHAEL GWARTNEY
John Michael “Mike” Gwartney— charismatic charmer, avid horseman, team roper, golfer, former state legislator, successful local businessman, and true citizen of Idaho—passed away peacefully in Boise on Friday, March 31, surrounded by his wife, Tore Beal Gwartney, family and friends.
Mike was born in Salmon, Idaho, on February 13, 1941, the oldest child of Robert and Lois Gwartney, and was followed by two siblings, Roberta Hedberg (Mick), and Larry Gwartney. Mike was a school leader who played varsity sports for all four years at Salmon High School. He worked in his grandparents’ Hardware store, Gwartney Equipment, as well as his father’s welding shop, and often visited his Aunt Janice and Uncle Jack Neal’s ranch on Carmen Creek.
In 1957, Mike married Barbara Burke and, after graduating high school, moved to Moscow, Idaho, to attend college. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in finance and accepted a position with Boise Cascade, where he began an incredible career and gained his reputation in the community for dedicated service. When Mike retired from Boise Cascade in 1999 he was Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
In 1970, Mike moved temporarily to Boston to attend Harvard Business School’s Management Development Program. In 1976, he was elected to the Idaho State Legislature, where he served as a Representative for District 14 until 1983. He remained active in state politics and civic engagement throughout his life. Mike was Chairman and CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bank until 1999, and was president of Political Consulting Ltd. Co after retirement. Additionally, Mike was involved in commercial real estate development and was a venture capitalist supporting many start-up companies. Mike was chairman of the Otter for Idaho Committee, and was appointed by Governor Otter to be the Director of the Idaho Department of Administration. A position he held for four years for the total salary of $1.00.
Mike was a force to be reckoned with. He may not have agreed with your position but he would hear you out and fight for your right to your own opinions. Mike was dedicated and devoted to causes he believed in and, more importantly, to the people and animals in his life. Until his passing, Mike was sought out for business or career decisions and guidance. At the Gwartney ranch, a child related or not received lessons from Mike: first, a bareback ride with arms straight out and eyes closed. He would declare you a cowboy or cowgirl, earning your saddle, only if you fell off nine times along the way. He led his life with the same grit and determination he encouraged in others.
Mike served on many boards, most notably the Idaho Business for Education, the Boise YMCA Foundation, and The Regence Group/Blue Shield of Idaho. In his early career he was active in the Boise Jaycees, Idaho Young Republicans, and the Rotary Club. He enjoyed being a member of the Arid Club, the Vistadores Rancheros, as well as Crane Creek and Spur Wing Country Clubs. He was particularly proud of his involvement with the College of Business advisory board at the University of Idaho.
He and Tore have lived on the Boise River for three decades, tending to their horses, border collies and to their home, which was the center of many lively neighborhood and family gatherings. They also traveled with their adventurous group of close friends, though Mike’s favorite away-place always remained the family hunting camp near Salmon. He loved to roam the Lemhi and Bitterroot Mountains with his father, and he ventured to other regions for annual horseback escapades with dear friends.
He was a competitive person throughout his life, whether he was playing basketball at the Y, running for the legislature, or participating in the annual race at Robie Creek. Even after a near-death horse accident earlier in his life, he completed the run many times.
Mike is survived by his wife, Tore, and his children Debra Gwartney, Cynthia Sundvik (Gary), Ron Gwartney (Lou Anne), Rebecca McKenna (Michael), and John Robert Gwartney (Cori), his sister Roberta Hedberg (Mick), his brother Larry Gwartney, his beloved aunt Janice Neal, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a wide array of friends and enemies.
The family requests in lieu of flowers or gifts donations to your favorite charity in his name or to organizations special to him, such as the University of Idaho College of Business and Economics or Equine Rehab and Sports Medicine Center.
Viewing will be on April 11, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bowman Funeral Home 10254 W Carlton Bay Drive, Garden City 83714.