Michael Lain Conkling, 77

Michael Lain Conkling, 77, lovingly known as "Conk," was born in Syracuse, New York, Dec. 8, 1947, to Mary Ellen Field Conkling and Milton Lain Conkling. He grew up in several locations in New York, including New York City and Saranac Lake, with his siblings Judy and Jim. 

As soon as possible, he moved out west to ski and live in the Rocky Mountains. He attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he studied history and met his first wife Betty Barker Conkling. Together, they moved to Whitefish in the early 1970s. In Whitefish, they found community and adventure with a generation of local and transplant ski bums and freedom seekers. With Betty, he raised his children, Jen and Dan, with humor, playfulness and healthy doses of sarcasm and wisdom  — "Don't take any wooden nickels!" 

Mike deeply understood and appreciated the history of the world, and was a living encyclopedia of information. He passed his love of the natural world and an active lifestyle on to his children. In partnership with Al Leverson, he built custom homes for Montana families and a few of the world's rich and famous. The final house he helped build before losing his physical strength was for his son and daughter-in-law and their growing family. 

In the prime of mid-life Mike found happiness with his sweetheart, Kathy McGrath. Kathy brought out the best in Mike, and together they enjoyed family, travel and the simple things. After several years together Mike and Kathy eloped to Fairmont Hot Springs to get married in November 2012. They lovingly watched over each other until his final moments, showing everyone there is nothing sweeter than being, "old and in love."

Most of all, he loved Kathy and his "crew" (Dan and Dani, Jen, Katie and Josh, and Scott and Stef), and the ones who knew him as "Papa Mike" (Tyler, Will, Hayden, Vivian, Inessa and Maxwell). He died peacefully, surrounded by the voices of loved ones, toasting a life well lived. "Cheers to mud in your eye!" I've loved you my whole life too, Dad.

To send online condolences, please visit the website www.austinfh.com. Austin Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family.