Michael Widner Obituary

I was stationed with Mike in England at RAF Greenham Common 1985-1987. Mike was fun to be around and always had a smile on his face we had some great times. It was a pleasure to serve with Mike and an honor to wear the same Beret. God be with you Mike. I currently am battling glioblastoma for three years. I am on another case study drug at UTHSC. I can no longer drive, walk or work..

Lighting a candle for you Mike. When we were stationed in Holland I know I was an immature,spoiled kid. But I've grown up now & hope you can see that from where you are now. Say a good word for me up there! -Joyce "Adams" Lecco

Mike and I were roommates for a time in England. He would tell me stories about how he would go surfing in the morning and go sking that same night. He loved watching tennis. Didn't take things too serious. I tracked him down a couple years ago and it sounded like life was good. I tracked him down today, not so good any more. Sorry we never got to hook up. Added a photo, he had just washed up with hot water and soap after two weeks in the English mud. Hope his family is doing OK.

I was stationed with Mike in England at RAF Greenham Common 1985-1987. Mike was fun to be around and always had a smile on his face we had some great times. It was a pleasure to serve with Mike and an honor to wear the same Beret. God be with you Mike.

Mike... How I Remember your infectious smile. I too had the pleasure of having you on my flight in Germany. Brothers of the Beret. Rest in Peace.

I remember Mike. I had no idea Mike had passed until I read Garrity's message on Facebook. I remember him being calm and well-liked. Always calm when the rest of us were crazy &chaotic. I was a SP overseas from 87-94. God Bless Mike and his family. -Joyce Adams Lecco

I too remember Mike from Memmigen. He always carried himself with pride and professionalism. He was a great wingman and served our nation with dignity and respect. Although we had not spoken since MM, he will always be a friend and be missed.

I remember Mike when he showed up at Memmingen back in 1988 and had the pleasure working with him for a couple years before he left for the Netherlands. He was such a laid back California guy and fun to be around! I will always remember Mike with a smile and I am grateful for the time we spent together back in Germany. It was the best time of my life over there with Mike and the rest of the guys. God bless you Mike!!!

Tony Farrington

I was honored to serve under Mike in Memmingen, Germany and he was always a nice to us lower ranking airman Rich, Randy, Tony and I. My condolences go out to the family and friends.

Such a great guy and I always had a good time with him. He will be missed.

I was with Mike in Germany also. He was a fantastic person. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family and Denise and Tyler.

You were my best friend in Memmingen, Germany. How I lost touch with you was out of my own laziness. I found you, but 11 months to late. We laughed, skied, argued about what was good music(I was right), played tennis(you cheated, you were left handed), traveled, tipped a few, and did everything that best friends did. I never went a day without thinking of you(and your green BMW 2002) and have missed you everyday since. You were an uncle to my son. I cannot believe you were 5 hours north on I-25. I like to say that I have never cried once in my life, now I can never say that. I always thought we would get together again, we will. I loved you like a brother and I let you down. I'm sorry. Still, and always your friend, Dave

Mike, You will be missed!!!!!

My Prayers go out too you. Always Jim Kelleher

I was stationed with Mike in Germany also and wish to express my heartfelt condolences you Denise and Tyler. We will pray for him, you and all your family.

I was stationed with Mike in Germany at Memmingen Airfield. Was always a mans man and I am truly sorry for your family. Mike my brother I will see you on the other side someday.
Your Air Force brother in arms
D. Jeff Bell

I first met Mike in 1988 in Germany. A friendship that by nature made no sense. Mike a California Surfing kind of dude, mellow, and always even Kiel, and me the uptight, stressed out East Coaster.

Through out the years we shared good times and bad. From a weekend in Venice with friends to Christmas Midnight Mass in Holland.

Even for a short period in time Mike was my Supervisor, no one was able to make a bad situation seem ok. Even when I received a few Letter of Reprimand from Mike, his ability to use the right word to get the point across without being demeaning.

Finally, meeting up again by chance years later in Colorado, Mike still possessed the same kindness and business sense.

I had the honer of attending his graduation ceremony and also had the opportunity to meet the true loves of his life his wife Denise and his Daughter Tylar.

My thoughts are with all of you.

We have all been truly blessed for haveing had known Mike for his short time on this earth.

I will always Miss and Love you My Friend, but in true Mike style not waste time being sad, but enjoy each day as you did.

Sitting by Mike's bed one night towards the end, I told him that I would find a bright star to remind me of his special light that has always burned so bright for all to see and feel. He couldn't speak, but squeezed my hand to let me know that he could understand,and I thought that I even dedected a slight smile. So thank you Evening Star for shining so bright from afar. Each night I gaze at you and feel the presence of Mikes precious soul that will forever shine in my heart.
Love,
Mom (ma)

Denise and Tyler, You are in our hearts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Don and I both send our condolences to you. Please let us know if we can help with anything.

It's 1981 and Mike and I are listening to 19 different demo tracks from obscure Punk bands (where does he get this stuff?). We talk about cars, girls and music....typical conversation for high school boys.

Kyle barges in and spouts off stats and scores in his phone based virtual baseball league. Then as quick as he appeared, he's gone. He must have someone on hold.

Mike and I continue our talk. Parents, parenting, kids, camping and travel. No subject is skipped over. This was Mike's bedroom during my high school years. This is where I really grew up. Mike had this way of breaking everything down to where understanding was obvious. He had an acute way of seeing things the way they are and not through glasses clouded by fear.

Being the youngest of our small group of friends, he was older and wiser than us all. When Mike spoke, we all listened. He made us all laugh during his "lessons", I think, to make it all sink in. Quick-witted will always be a term used to describe him. This is an understatement. He was one of the funniest guys I have ever met.

Always honorable, he is a mans man. Never pretentious, he spoke up for what he believed in and knew why. His confidence inspired us all in many aspects of our lives. He is missed but he will always be revered.

Denise, my heart is heavy for you and Tylar. I am only happy that you you knew him and experienced the friendship and love that Mike was.

My father, Michael Alan Widner was truly majical, he brought so much love and kindness to my heart! He taught me how to enjoy all kinds of music and how to listen beyond the beat or the words and find the actual meaning. He taught me how to be kind to everyone and everything, how to over come cruel and hateful things in my life or school! Me and my dad shared so much, we could sit and watch a movie,television show listen to music and easliy know what the other was thinking! Boy did he have a sense of humor :) he made me laugh with just his facial expressions or quick remark to something, he was very sarcastic and taught me everythin i know hehe! i love him so much and i will deeply miss him! But i know his love and light lives on inside me and everyone who knew him! He was an amazing father !!
i love you dad !!

By the way its international day of kindness !! Thank you all for saying these kind words about my Dad !

I was lucky to spend several days with Mike during a family reunion in Estes Park, Colorado.

I was so impressed with him and was sure that there were great things ahead for him.

I always kept a place in my heart for Mike. There was just something so special about his presence on this earth.

He was always in my prayers and had a special place on my dream board.

He still has a place of honor on the dream board.

I was never blessed to meet Denise but know that she was the rock upon which Mike rested.

The entire family is still in my prayers and on the dream board.

To me Mike was a gentile giant. A courageous man. Enjoyable and fun to be around.

Uncle Mike,
You are the best thing that happend to Aunt Nicey and my Tylar bear, and I love you more then life for that.You brought so much happiness to them both, including our family. We all love you very much. Your presence will be missed but you will always be carried in our hearts.
I love you Uncle Mike.

I always enjoyed Mike's business acumen. He was very creative but also had a good analytical mind.
He was challenging, but still had a gentle attitude & outlook.
A pleasure to work with & I am sorry to see him go.
Allen B Norris, CPA

Although I never got to know Mike well, I knew he was someone special. The love seemed to emanate from him and he just had a sense of "being". The love between Mike, Denise, and Tylar is an inspiration!

Only the good die young... a lyric from a song and a common saying that we've all heard. One can't help but think that it was Mike they had in mind.

I'll remember Mike as a good man and true gentleman, who always seemed happy to see you.

He'll be missed by all, and especially by Denise & Tylar. Although not here, Mike's spirit will be with them and watch over them as they continue on the rest of life's journey.

Mike was a modern renaissance man, my younger brother, and a source of inspiration and strength throughout my life.

Intelligent, pragmatic, and creative, his words and deeds not only entertained, they often showed uncommon insight. Bouncing an idea off Mike was always my first reality check.

Our shared love of 'eclectic' musical tastes was a lifelong connection. He had an uncanny ability to find obscure music and match it to people he thought would appreciate it. Seldom was he wrong on this.

I will miss him dearly, but I carry his spirit with me in my heart and soul. Much I do for the rest of my life will be guided by my experiences with Michael.

Love ya, 'bro.

Kyle

Denise and Tylar,
You loved and were loved beyond measure. Let the knowledge of this lighten the load of sorrow and grief that you now carry. As you go forward light will overcome the darkness and you will be healed.
With unending love, Mama and Grandma

Mike was an inspiration in both sprit and grace. His humor touched everyone. Mike you will be missed by all..

Thank you all for your kind words. To his old friends - Thank You! You are new to me but I embrace you for the love you shared with him. I wanted to share Mike's directive with all of you. I think this alone shows the true nature of who he is - in his own words. He was my love and my best friend. I miss him dearly. Love, Denise Widner

In Mike's own words:
I want my passing to be a celebration and acknowledgement of the never-ending cycle of life. How we exit this life should not be the point of focus. Focus should be placed on regeneration, the new, and the future. With this said, my only wish is to know that anyone affected by my passing not dwell on the past, the missed visits, or lost opportunities. I want everyone to know I enjoyed my time with each of you and leave with no regrets. Please celebrate; please welcome the new and the future good times waiting for you. Love, Mike
Specific Requests:

-Cremation (places ashes in or near the Pacific Ocean)
-No formal ceremony – casual wear encouraged!
-After scattering of ashes, please celebrate!

Mike was an amazing person, and an extrodinary human being, spiritual in nature, and amazing in grace. Thank you, mike for being there for us all.Your comic wit, sent me rolling to many time to count. you are missed by all.

My condolences go out to the Family of Mike Widner. He was a very good friend of mine while we were in high school. I will truly miss him. Although, we lost track of each other over the years, we were able to reconnect this past year. I will always have fond memories of him and he always put a smile on my face or made me laugh. I will always remember Mike and how he was.

We are so sorry for your loss. I remember his as being a wonderful, kind and thoughtful person and will cherish the memories of our "teenager" days together. May God's grace comfort you now and in the future. God Bless you and all of your family.

Denise and Tyler,

Mike was a good man and will be missed dearly. Our prayers are with both of you. Heath and Family

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Denise,Tylar and Michael's family~
May God's Grace and comfort be with you at this sorrowful time in your great loss of a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend. You are not alone. He will always be with you. Love and Prayers~Erin, Kent, Maggie and Greg

Denise and Tylar -- Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and both of you. If you need anything what so ever -- we are here! Day or night.

Love you Kimmy, Mo Mo T & Ky Ky