QUEENSBURY -- Michael W. Spire, 64, of Queensbury, passed away Friday April 17, 2015, at his home following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born June 28, 1950 and was the son of Dr. Richard H. and Margaret H. (Barber) Spire. He was raised in Washington D. C. He attended and graduated from the Landon School. Mike furthered his education at Alfred University, the University of Baltimore, and then earned his Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland. Mike spent the majority of his professional career in the Baltimore metropolitan area and worked in the fields of addictions, mental health, and domestic violence. He was a highly regarded social worker who devoted his career to non-profit organizations. Mike had a wonderful ability to build rapport with his clients, particularly adolescents, many of whom stayed in contact with him well into adulthood.

In 2005 Mike realized a life-long dream when he moved his family to Queensbury, New York to be near his beloved camp on Lake Champlain. Mike savored time at his camp, whether alone, with his family, or with his friends. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hiking and kayaking. He was an expert at skipping stones, a skill he was proud to pass on to his son Luke. It was sitting on the front porch of his camp, looking at the lake, where Mike found his most peaceful moments; and it was kayaking early in the morning where he found his connection with the divine. Mike was known for his sense of humor, positive outlook, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. Mike loved to practice random acts of kindness, something his daughter Maddie plans to carry on in his memory.

Mike was a lover of 60's music, good scotch, and fast cars. Mike will likely be remembered for always wearing a baseball hat, carrying his backpack, and never giving up on his Washington Redskins. He was a loved man who, with warmth and humor, touched the lives of all who knew him. He was an incredibly loyal friend who lived life to the fullest and created cherished memories with his friends of 40 plus years.

Mike's greatest joy was found in fatherhood. He was a patient, present, and loving Dad. He loved his children deeply and fought to remain with them as long as he could.

In addition to his parents, Mike is predeceased by a brother, Richard Lee Spire.

Mike is survived by his wife Holly S. Spire; his children, Madeleine M. Spire and Lucas M. Spire; a sister, Susan S. McCarthy of Henderson, North Carolina; two nieces, Honor Spire Engle of Longmont , Colorado and Quinn McCarthy of Norfolk, Virginia; two nephews, Hardy Spire of Kensington, Maryland, and Tony Mc Carthy of Los Angeles, California; one great niece; 3 great nephews; and his beloved dogs, Raya, Tai, and Kobi.

Services will be private.

Donations in Mike's loving memory may be made to the Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, 15 Boulevard Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to North Country Holistic Health Care, the Oncology Support Services at Glens Falls Hospital, Adirondack Crossroads, the counselors at QUFSD, Mike's colleagues at Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Holly's colleagues at the BOCES WSTLC, and an amazing group of friends here in New York and in Maryland who helped to make each step of this journey just a little bit easier.

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804 or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.