On Thursday, February 6th, 2025, we experienced the heartbreaking loss with the untimely passing of our loved Michael, age 53. Michael suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on Jan. 7th and with optimal care was slated to transfer to another facility to undergo long-term acute care. This course of treatment was interrupted on Jan. 31st when Michael had a sudden cardiac arrest. The consequences of both caused irreversible damage and ultimately his precious life. Michael was surrounded by friends, Aunt Christina, Uncle Sam and by his Father, Mother and Sister.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Michael was born on September 17, 1971, to Marcus and Diana York in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. When Michael was 1 1/2 years old, he and his family moved back to Sheridan, WY, where Michael lived for the remainder of his life.

Michael enjoyed a happy childhood, living across the street from his Grandpa and Grandma York, and only a few blocks away from his grade school, Coffeen Elementary. He was raised in a Christian home and attended First Baptist Church with his family.

During these years, he played baseball, football and liked to needle point ,ride a 3-wheeler and most of all; ride his bike. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1990 and during his high school years developed a love for the outdoors in the Big Horn Mountains. He especially reveled in motorcycling, 4-wheeling and snow machining. Highlights from his mountain life were time spend on snowmobile trips with his Grandpa and cabin family Christmas’s.

Following high school, Michael moved to Bozeman, MT., where he worked at various jobs, learned to ski and snowboard and then was introduced to fly-fishing which launched his greatest lifelong passion…FISHING ! Oh, by the way, he did excel with academic excellence by graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Rumor has it, he never bought a text book. Not one!

Upon graduation, Michael moved back home and got his first job in the gas industry as a roustabout. This position was the first of several which cemented his 25+ year career. His final position was field production supervisor for Wood US.

Michael was married to Kristine Harnish and then to Hidie Bland.

Michael not only loved fishing, which included highly memorable trips to Alaska but also LOVED sports. He was a diehard Detroit Lions and L.A .Dodgers fan and also enjoyed watching professional darts and NASCAR. He was also a fan of comedy, played the guitar, and gardened, specializing in herbs and vegetables. He was a great cook, who loved sharing his creations with co-workers, friends and his family. He grilled to perfection and even made his own Limited Edition rhubarb wine.

He filled his home and his heart with the loves of his life, his dogs; R.J., Fletcher, Gunner and Vito.

Michael was a brilliant mind, a quick wit, had a colorful dialect, a wise sensibility, a tender heart, a loyal friend, a dog-lover, and was a little spitfire who will be forever missed and remembered.

Michael was a child of God.

Michaelis survived and missed by his parents Marcus and Diana York, his sister Marcella York and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is predeceased by his grandparents Russell and Willa York and Hans and Dorothy Nilluka and also uncles Joseph Wheatcroft and Gary Nilluka.

Join us in honoring Michael’s life at First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan WY at 11:00 a.m .on Monday, February 17^th.   The family requests that all who attend dress casual in your favorite TEAM APPAREL or sweatshirt.

The family warmly welcomes you to attend Michael’s celebration of life “tailgate” party at Elks Lodge, 45 W Brundage St, Sheridan, immediately following his funeral service.

A private family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 18th at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

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