Michael S. Joyal

Michael Joyal Obituary

Michael S. Joyal died on Sunday April 22, 2012 after being struck by a motor vehicle while riding his bike. He was on a training ride for the Ironman 70.3 Boise. Mike was born in Oroville, CA, to Jackie and Phil Joyal. He graduated Placer HS, Auburn, CA , attended the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1987. Mike began his career as an intelligence officer but soon realized his dream of becoming an Air Force Pilot. Mike's pride in the Air Force Academy and the honor exemplified by the airmen with whom he served were at the core of his beliefs and resonated throughout his career. He married Suzanne in 1992 and they began their family in 1996. Mike retired from the Air Force on 31 Dec 2010 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a command pilot with over 5,200 hours of flying time including 98 sorties as an Air Force Two pilot. He was a devoted father to his two children and true partner in every way to Suzanne. Retirement allowed him to switch roles with Suzanne and experience more closely the joys of raising two teenage daughters. He loved them deeply. He was a superb athlete studying every aspect of performance. But mostly, Mike loved the relationships he developed with his friends and his family, sharing the love of training, good food, good books, and music. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, daughters, Jackie and Katherine, his father, Phil, his brother Philip, and sister-in-law, Chris. Funeral services will be at the USAFA Cadet Chapel at 10:00am on May 2, 2012. Donations may be made to the Joyal Children's College Fund, 15954 Jackson Creek Pkwy Ste B, Box 316, Monument, CO 80132 (make checks payable to Suzanne Roseberry) or to Bicycle Colorado for its "Share the Road" program. Please make donations directly to bicyclecolo.org .

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Published by The Gazette on Apr. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Joyal

8 Entries

I just wanted to share a pic of then Capt Joyal; what a great guy. I'm sorry for your loss.

June 27, 2012

Karen Wiebe Randall

May 12, 2012

Dear Joyal Family-
Mike and I became friends in the 80's through the hi-jinks at First Baptist Church youth group and then at Placer High School in Auburn, CA. We both shared a love for music and often shared our latest "finds" and had fun debating them. You know when a good friend just 'clicks'... that is what I felt with Mike. He also clicked with my entire family, making quite a good impression with my folks and sisters. Simply put, everyone liked Mike. He was always welcomed in our home. When we reconnected much later through the possibilities of Facebook I was thrilled to have my friend and music connoisseur back to share with and it was great to pick up where we left off. I also completely impressed to learn just how much he accomplished in the time that had passed. It was amazing to learn just how far he went with his service to our Country. I'm sure you're all proud of such accomplishments. I was thrilled to find he had a gorgeous family and excited to hear about his growing athletic endeavors (as this always meant a good story from Mike). Needless to say, I will miss him very much. I'm sending to you, on behalf of my entire family, my deepest sympathies on the loss of Mike. You were blessed to have such precious time and memories filled with an amazing man as he, and I do so envy you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort with each other.
You're in my prayers,

Douglas Bradbury

May 3, 2012

Suzanne and the girls - Tragedy does not even come close to what this is. However, GOD's plans are rarely known to us and as you walk through each day, know that Mike positively touched the lives of many. I went to UPT with Mike and he was a stable rock amidst a sea of chaos. He was also a good friend in the years that followed. I am sorry for your loss. We all lost a good friend.

Harry Lloyd

May 3, 2012

I was shocked to hear the news and please accept our sympathies. I flew AF2 with Mike before I retired in 2005. Mike was very dedicated and I will always remember our flights together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cheryl Esbenshade

May 1, 2012

Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I was Mike's supervisor at USAFA in protocol for the year he worked there after graduation. We all loved him and considered him a great asset to our office. He was an earnest, hard worker with a terrific sense of humor. I'll never forget his smile. Please know you're in my prayers.

Nancy Liggett

April 30, 2012

Suzanne, We are all very saddened and sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your two girls. You are and will continue to be in our prayers.
Nancy and Chris Liggett

Tom & Jeanette Campbell

April 29, 2012

We're so very sorry for your loss. We wish we could attend the service, but cannot, but our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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