Michael C. Peters, 61

Michael C. Peters passed away on Dec. 27, 2007, in Denver, from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was 61. Michael was born on Jan. 2, 1946, in Wheatridge, Colo., to Clarence and Gladys Peters.

Michael attended school in Wheatridge and later served in the Army, and at the time of his death was a member of the American Legion Post 55 in Buena Vista, Colo.

On July 31, 1965, he married his life-long partner of 42 years, Donna Jean Peters (Rose).

Michael worked for the Park County Road and Bridge Department in Fairplay, Colo., for almost 30 years as a truck driver, utility inspector and a third-party CDL examiner.

On Oct. 20, 2007, he retired and moved with his wife Donna to Kalispell.

Michael loved the outdoors, especially the mountains.

Some of his best memories include pack trips every summer with friends and family to his favorite place in Buffalo Peaks outside of Fairplay.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling with Donna and many friends and family on his ATV, and riding his motorcycle. He was a proud member of the original Sleezy Riders, a group of best friends that made many memorable trips through several states.

In November of 2003, with his son Don, he hunted the Wet Mountains and took a six-by-six bull elk.

After retiring to Montana he enjoyed taking his grandson hunting, being Grandpa and making many new friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; and older brothers, Sonny, Leroy, Jim, Ed and his wife Marian, Dick, and Bobby and his wife Gerri.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, of Kalispell; son, Tracy, and his wife, Lindy, grandkids Tanya, Nick, Jessica, Brandon and Kaylynn of Wakapala, S.D.; son, Don, and his wife, Rae, grandkids Jamie, Kristen, and Matt of Pueblo, Colo.; and daughter, Shelly, her husband, Paul, and grandkids, Steven, Eric and Cale of Kalispell; mother-in-law, Elsie Rose of Arvada, Colo.; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Tim Briggs, of Broomfield, Colo.; several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and many friends. He also leave behind his dog and best side-kick, Tess.

A celebration of his life will take place next summer at the American Legion in Buena Vista, Colo. The exact date will be announced later.