A Great Loss — Remembering Mike Riddle

Michael Dean Riddle · February 18, 1949 – July 31, 2026 · Meridian, Idaho

Michael Dean Riddle, 77, passed away on July 31, 2026, at his home in Meridian, Idaho, with his family at his bedside. He was born on February 18, 1949, to Howard and Joan Riddle and spent his childhood in a military family, with his brothers, Steven and David, as his best friends. He later met the love of his life, Lesley (Johnson), and they were married on June 9, 1973. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this past June.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lesley; daughter, Jamie, and her husband, Raoul; son, Eric; eight grandchildren, Taylen, and her husband Sam, Kinsey, and her husband Paul, Trenton, Carter, Wesley, and Xander; and one great-granddaughter Noelle.

Mike was a captain and instructor in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Marine Corps Track and Field Team, competed in numerous decathlons, and earned the title of AAU National Champion in the pentathlon in 1976.

Mike always went above and beyond in everything he set out to do, whether in track and field, his professional career, or, most importantly, his love for God’s Word and his family. Because of his unwavering love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Mike chose to leave his lucrative career at Microsoft to pursue full-time ministry.

Mike’s journey into creation ministry was shaped by a diverse set of experiences. He studied mathematics and education, taught math, worked in technical and engineering education, and led professional training programs for companies such as Sprint and Microsoft.

Mike had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most respected creation ministries. He began as an adjunct instructor at the Institute for Creation Research and later became a full-time speaker on apologetics at Answers in Genesis. In churches, schools, conferences, and training workshops, he shared his passion for biblical creation and apologetics, helping others grow in their love for God’s Word.

Later, Mike founded The Creation Training Initiative. Through CTI, he taught biblical creation, critical thinking, and equipped educators to be more effective in making disciples. He had the privilege of speaking at churches, schools, universities, homeschool events, conferences, and many other venues throughout the United States and overseas.

Mike will be greatly missed here on earth, but we rejoice that he is in Heaven with his Creator.