Michael Hargreaves

December 7, 1947 - March 27, 2023

Michael Hargreaves, beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023, in Louisville, Colorado. Mike was born on December 7, 1947, in Denver, Colorado to Lawrence Hargreaves and Shirley Frank Hargreaves.  The family moved to Holladay, Utah when Mike was 8 years old.  Mike was very adventurous and enjoyed spending time with neighborhood friends and playing little league baseball. He also enjoyed working on his 1956 Chevrolet and racing around the streets of Salt Lake City.  Some of his fondest memories involved climbing Mount Olympus with friends.  Mike was an avid skier and golfer; he excelled at everything he did.

Mike graduated from Skyline High School in 1966.  He entered the United States Navy in April of 1968 and served until June of 1972.  He was stationed on the USS Puget Sound AD 38 in Newport, Rhode Island. He became a pattern maker and this began his lifelong love of woodworking, making furniture, frames, etc.  It was during this time that he met his best friend and “brother” Lynn Cole.   Mike was a true patriot and proud veteran!

After leaving the Navy, Mike eventually began his long and distinguished career as a federal employee. He worked for the United States Civil Service Commission, the Department of Agriculture, the United States Forest Service, and finished his career with the Department of Energy.  Mike received many awards throughout his career.   He was a recipient of President George H.W. Bush’s Point of Light award at a reception in the White House.  He also received the Distinguished Career Service Award, and the Career Achievement in Human Resources Award when he retired after 35 years of federal service in December of 2003.

Mike married his high school sweetheart Nanette Knaphus in 1968.  Together they shared Michael, Cari, Nanette and Heather.  They were later divorced. Mike went on to marry Kay Eddington in 1975.  He adopted Kay’s daughter Traci and together they shared Mindi. They were later divorced.

Mike met his soulmate and the love of his life, Barbara Powers, and they were married in 2003. Mike became step-father to Barb’s children Breckenridge and Brookelynn.

Mike and Barb enjoyed doing everything together.  They found laughter and joy in the smallest of things. They had a love of all things old so they continually scoured flea markets, junk stores and antique shops wherever they went.  They also enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing, and looking for arrowheads.  They loved traveling, especially to Hailey and Sun Valley, Idaho, San Diego, California, and Kansas City, Missouri.  Mike was an enthusiastic Denver Broncos fan. He never missed a game with a cold beer in hand and Barb’s special chicken wings. He also loved helping Barb work on genealogy and they had great fun unraveling family mysteries. They took care of each other and loved each other deeply.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Terry, son Michael and daughter Nanette.  He is survived by his brother David (Kay) Hargreaves, sister-in-law Patricia (Terry) Austin, brother-in-law Tom (Kathleen) Powers, daughters Heather (Justin) Zualet, Cari Maggi, Mindi (Brett) Piper and Traci Adolph, stepchildren Breckenridge (Alaina) Wade and Brookelynn, grandchildren Jake Maggi and Savannah White, Madison and Avery Zualet, Jordan (McKay) Forsyth, Embry Wade, Cheyenne and Bryant Landon,  great-grandson Benjamin Forsyth, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was a very private person. He tried to maintain a tough exterior, but on the inside he was soft-hearted and very caring.  He was quick to offer help and support to others when in need and was very generous with his time and skills. He had a razor sharp wit and amazing sense of humor.  You never knew what was going to come out of his mouth at any given time whether it be sailor language, or something incredibly outrageous and funny!

Losing Mike has created a huge void, and life will never quite be the same.  We have all, however,  gained a very special guardian angel.

Mike requested there be no services but asked that his family and friends take a moment to remember the good times and make a toast on his behalf.  Condolences can be sent to the family at 15399 Joliet Court, Brighton, CO 80602.