Michael Paul Ketcher, 58

"Michael was our friend!"

Wherever there was music, fun, a gathering in support of art, peace or an environmental cause, Michael was there with his indomitable smile. He was a lifetime athlete and he never stopped moving; never stopped spreading cheer. He clearly chose the path for his departure - he was running in Woodland Park, across the street from his home on March 16, 2009, when he went down and never regained consciousness.

Michael was born June 19, 1950, in Nevada, Iowa, where he was also raised, and he went back to visit every year. While growing up, he and his beloved brothers, Rick and Dave, spent many happy summers with Mom and Dad, Dick and Dorothy Ketcher, at their cabin on Lake Superior, near Grand Marais, Minn. The boys continued to reunite at the cabin every autumn and it is there that Michael will finally come to rest.

After high school graduation, Michael attended the University of Montana, where he completed his degree in political science, with concentration in African-American studies. One of the most satisfying moments in Michael's life was when Barack Obama was finally elected president.

Michael played a season of football for The Grizzlies and he was a life-long Grizzly fan. If the Grizzlies made it to Chattanooga, Michael was there to cheer them on. If there was a Blues Cruise to be gone on, Michael was on board dancing. If there was a Burning Man celebration in the desert, Michael was there with bells on. If there was a New Year's celebration at Red's, Michael was everywhere, sharing hugs.

Upon graduation from college, Michael toured the United States and Canada, looking for a place to celebrate life in the outdoors. He finally chose the Flathead Valley on the Swan River.

And then the fun began for all of us! Michael built a miniature golf course in his front yard, where everybody came to play. When he finally established "a work career" in neon art, he lit up Montana, and he celebrated by wrapping the house in neon for Halloween parties to which everyone was invited. Later he bought a house next to Woodland Park where he established his base camp - his last best place!

He was a relentless world traveler, a runner, a hiker, a biker and a rafter. He loved Glacier National Park and floating all of Montana's great rivers with friends.

School children and neighbors all over the east side of Kalispell enjoyed the daily treat of watching Uncle Mike walk by with his beloved dogs Willy and Babe. Michael never knocked when visiting, but we always enjoyed the tapping of doggie claws in the entry way and a friendly "Yo!" in greeting. We will all miss Michael immensely!

Michael is survived by his loving brothers, Rick and Dave, his nieces, Dana, Sara and Jannelle, all of us, and the great Montana outdoors.

Let the tears flow, gather the memories, put on a smile, and come celebrate Michael's life with us at 6 p.m. on Friday evening at The Montessori School, 349 Willow Glen Drive. Bring a little potluck and wear some flowers in your hair.

You can remember Mike with a contribution to The Sam Bibler Commemorative Trails Project, P.O. Box 515, Kalispell, MT 59903.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.