Michael McFadden Obituary

Oh Mike! We had such a friendship while you worked at the United States Air Force Academy. I think of you every day and smile. You came into my life at a time when I needed a friend. Always my friend...so much laughter.

I remember you, smiling, laughing, playing frizbee, raising cain, fun and quiet a man of action. A friend who was always standing by and willing to support in any situation. You are missed. See you on the other side.

I knew Mike from junior and senior high school. I remember watching Mike wrestle - how he loved that. After the accident, Mike and I would hangout a lot and talk. We had a class together, Abnormal Psych. Mr. Johnson, our teacher really didn't want to be teaching that semester so we got away with sleeping through most of the class! Me, with my head on the table. . .drooling and Mike, with his head resting on his had - at least until his arm gave way at which time his head would bob up and down. We would both look around to see if anyone noticed. . . Of course there were only about 12 of us in the class and we sat in a circle - of course people noticed!!!

Mike was a king, gentle, loving soul. He did not judge others and found only the positive in all that occurred. He taught many how to handle adversity and how to come out the other side a better person.

Mike will be missed by many, remembered and loved forever. I hope his family and friends find peace knowing his soul is soaring free - free from the confines he endured here on earth. I know he loved you all well.

Mike was my freshman college roommate at Wright State. I learned a lot from him that year; patience, determination and compassion. I treasure the memories of the times we spent together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

What a beautiful person....my heart grieves for all of you in this time of great loss. I am so sorry, and pray now that, you will find comfort in the memories. The animals of the world too, share your loss and they too are better for him having lived.

May God comfort you and keep you, all of you now and forever. Lynda Jacobson

When I first met Mike, my first impression of him was “inspiration”. He will always inspire me!
Deepest condolences for your great loss. My hope is our Lord Jesus, the Christ bring comfort, peace and healing to your wonderful family. Always a friend Tony Martinez

Mike and his family have been an inspiration to each other and to those they touch. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Mike and his family for many years. Mike's commitment to education and ideas always made a difference. Current events and financial news always provoked lively discussions. His van gave him the freedom of open roads. He was handsome and strong willed. I will always remember his smile and gentle style. His spirit is with us.

We have know the McFadden family for many years. We know what pain you are going through. Always know that you have friends to help you through this difficult time. Mike will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Theresa, Christine, & Evelyn.
The Barilli Family

I give my sympathy and prayers to Mike's family. I pray they be comforted to know he is now free of pain. I'm a neighbor of his in Parkside. I didn't know him well but I rode down the street with him a couple of times, he in his chair and me on my bike. After viewing the photos and reading the comments, I'm deeply saddened that I didn't make the effort to know him better. Even in his pain, he had such a wonderful smile. May the Lord bless Mike and his family.
Jim Donnelly

I worked with Mike at Rampart High School right after he was released from Craig Hospital. I have never forgotten him. He was sweet, courageous,and well liked by the students. My heart goes out to the family, and I'm sure he worked hard at living a good life.

My thoughts and prayers are with the McFadden family. I remember all the fun times I had with Mike and Theresa when I would spend the night. I was introduced to The Who for the first time listening to the soundtrack from the movie Tommy. I'm pretty sure it was Chris's LP. I've known the family for about 37 years and only wish the best for them now and always. Take care.

I'm so sorry to hear about Mike. I knew him when we were kids and later we became neighbors in the Black Forest. I remember the courage he showed after his accident...it only changed him physically. He was the same old Mike inside...a sweet guy with a great sense of humor. He will be missed!

Michael has been a wonderful cousin and friend. His adventurous spirit and sly smile would light up a room. I got to know Mike better when he moved out to Ohio to go to school. We had alot of laughs and political discussions, and he always would let you know how he felt about the state of affairs. He gave of himself freely with no strings attached. I will always carry the good memories I have with him and our families. His pain and struggle are now gone and he is free to be...You'll be missed...Susan

For many years as a Friend of your sister Theresa, I spent time with Michael and the family. I remember his sense of humor and his contagious laugh. I hope he had that throughout his life. For the McFadden family, please know I will be thinking and praying for you. Michael is fine in heaven with our Lord. It is those left behind who experience the grief. God bless you McFadden family. I miss you all.
Jennifer Baker (Colorado Springs, CO)

I didn't know him well, but I will always remember the day he returned to school and what he added to our class.

Theresa, Paul & all of your family, I am so sad for your loss. We will see the ones we love again.

I was so sorry to hear that Mike has passed away. I had the priviledge to be one of Mike's nurses a awile & it was then that I got to know what a really special & couragous person he was & what a wonderful & supportive family he has. I know he will be missed by eveyone so much. I turly do believe he is in a wonderful place now where there is no more pain & he has been set free. He fought the hard battle & now he can rest. My life has been changed for having had the priviledge to have known him. Lisa McMullen

Mike was 10 and I was 11 when we first met. Our dads worked together. Skateboarding in an abandoned pool on N. Nevada and another off S. 8th Street, his Tama drum kit and my Les Paul copy, Fred and Mike helping us build our cabin in Breckenridge, too many ski trips to remember, that laugh, that smile, a girl on each arm leaving the 7th grade dance and caught in the headlights of my dads car grinning like a Cheshire cat, BMX riding to hell and back in the Forest, visits to Craig summer of '82 and planning a jail break down the back elevator, learning he could hold MORE beer after the accident, there the day his first van showed up and he could drive... seems like just yesterday... the glass is raised tonight Mike for some wonderful memories, our paths will cross again brother... - maz

I met Mike over 11 years ago going roadtripping to see blues bands. Mike had a wonderful sense of humor and a "go for the gusto" attitude. I will miss my friend very much but I know I will see him in the future.

We have known Mike and his family since l971, some 40 years. Mike was an energetic, enthusiastic, smart, affectionate and handsome boy -- full of life and devilment. He wrote to us last September of his memories camping at Great Sand Dunes with us and of laughing whole heartedly and long as we played bridge with his parents.


Mike was 17 when tragedy struck. He made us feel like he was privileged by our presence when we visited him in the hospital. He inspired our children -- first as an adventurous biker -- and then (far more importantly) by persisting through more adversity than most of us ever had to face.. He coped as best he could for a long, long time. He was tired and has gone, loved and missed, to his eternal rest.

Like so many others that have been touched by Mike's gentle soul I was saddened to hear of his passing. It was a rare opportunity to know him and an honor to have him as a friend.
Jason Patterson North Carolina

I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He loved music and was a big fan of the Chris Duarte Group. Mike would often be down in front of the stage grooving to the music and Chris Duarte would play for him specifically on certain songs. He had a sharp sense of humor and I always enjoyed seeing him. It makes me sad to think of a world without him in it. Happy Trails my friend.

We have known Mike and his family since l971 -- nearly 40 years. Mike was a young boy then, and very much into dirt biking as you can see by checking out the photo gallery. Mike sent me an email last September reminiscing about our family get togethers -- camping at Great Sand Dunes, playing bridge with his parents, and laughing really hard and really long. Those were good, carefree innocent days. What a vital, spirited, enthusiastic, affectionate and happy kid he was.

Mike was only 17 when tragedy struck. When we went to see him in the hospital, he made us feel like he was privileged by our presence. Over the years he has had good times and bad, but persisted and showed a spirit that those who knew him could only admire and wonder at. He has been an inspiration to our children as a biker and then, more importantly, as someone dealing with great tragedy as best he could for a long, long time. He was tired and has gone, loved and missed, to his eternal rest.

Mike had the biggest heart. He was very generous. Regularly we would get in fights over who was going to pay for dinner. He had a challenging journey in life and now he is free from pain. I will truly miss him, but find comfort he is soaring freely above us. Now he is a "Free Bird".
Love your cousin Lori

Mike was a bus stop friend after I moved to Colorado and he was always a friend, see you on the other side, God Bless...

My sincerest condolences to the family. Mike was my neighbor and I went to school with him from seventh grade on... He always had such a warm smile. I had hoped to see it again but it will be a longer wait than I expected. Love to all of you
Katy Oberle