Michael 'Mike' Ivan Myers, 74

Michael “Mike” Ivan Myers, 74, passed away on Jan. 13, 2021, at Sidney Health Care Center in Sidney, Montana.

Michael was born on Dec. 18, 1946, to Charles Clifford and Vera Marie (Sullivan) Myers in Kalispell. He attended Deer Park School near the family home on Middle Road before attending Flathead County High School in Kalispell. Michael's mother and brothers also attended school at Deer Park.

On his 18th birthday, in December of 1965, Michael received notice from the U.S. Army draft board and reported for duty on Jan.11, 1966. After basic and advanced training, he deployed to Vietnam. While in Vietnam his father passed away. Michael was allowed home for the funeral and returned to Vietnam. After Michael's tour of duty in Vietnam he was transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he lived on base with his family until he was discharged. As Michael’s health declined, he was asked if he was afraid of dying and replied "No I am not afraid. I was in Vietnam."

During his two years in the military Michael made rank of specialist 5 sergeant. While at Fort Lewis, Michael had the solemn duty of escorting a fallen soldier home and to his final resting place. He received training for the duty and remained with the soldier all the days of the duty, supporting and helping the family; a duty which Michael proudly and compassionately performed.

Michael had two sons, Michael Charles and Travis Kurt, and a daughter Kari Lee, whom he dearly loved. In a letter he wrote, not too long before his passing, that in all he had been through in his life, he was given "his beautiful children." Michael cherished the time he spent with them and as they did with him. In the time apart they were together in heart and soul always.

Michael had many and varied occupations. He worked on a farming ranch, set chokers for Weyerhaeuser in Washington, was employed at American Timber in Olney and Libby Dam construction, followed oil drilling in North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, owned a septic tank business. He spent his later years taking care of his ranch near Sidney. Michael had many friends and neighbors whom he helped with haying, hauling beets and many other chores. They were very honored and thankful to have him as a friend and continued that friendship to his last days.

Michael was a dedicated member of the AA program and rarely missed a meeting. He helped and sponsored many, many persons in the program who today credit their sobriety to Michael’s belief in them and ties remained strong. It is hard to put into words the extent of Michael's dedication to the AA program and the feelings from all those he helped and befriended.

Michael was an exceptional and fearless horseman and rode horses every chance he could. Many years ago, he entered bare back bronco riding competition at the rodeo (O-Mok-See) in Columbia Falls, only once. Michael rode for three days in the great Bicentennial cattle drive, riding from Sidney to Billings. He loved and cared for horses, owning several until his passing. Over the years he raised chicken, goats, pigs, calves and horses. He grew incredible gardens and much of the fruits of his labor he gladly gave away. He was always a farmer and rancher at heart.

Michael is survived by sons, Michael and Travis, both of Kalispell; daughter, Kari Lee, of Utah; grandchildren, Christopher Kurt, Brittany Lynn, Tristen Lee, Jushua Chase and Landen; great-grandchildren, Kodi Michael, Alex Phillip, and Chase; nephew Scott, and niece Sandy.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Charles Clifford; brothers, Lee Allen and Larry Clifford; mother, Vera Marie; grandparents, Ivan and Mary Myers, and Michael Henry and Mary Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with burial and military honors to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.