John Alexander Michie

John Alexander Michie of Fort Collins died in his home on December 3, 2012. John was born on the family farm February 15, 1920 to parents, Adam and Emma Michie. His grandfather Adam Michie, Sr. and later his father farmed the 160 acres of irrigated land located at the corner of Horsetooth Road and Shields Street. He attended Pleasant View School or District number 16 through the eighth grade and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1937. His siblings, Clarence, Helen, and Ralph preceded him in death. John met the love of his life, Jacqueline Rose Von Vihl in elementary school and began an amazing love story. The couple married in Hugo, Colorado June 4, 1938 and soon took over the Michie family farm where they raised four children, Carol, Thaine, Rex, and Keith. John maintained he couldn't have had a better life. He loved being a farmer, raising children in the country, working the land, and contributing to the community in numerous ways. Stories and memories of the past will live with family members. We heard of: times when eleven-year-old John arrived at a frigid school building before other students and teachers in order to start the coal burning furnace so the building would be warm when the school day began; times when as a youngster he helped harness the work-horses so they would be ready to pull the plow, corn planter or wind-rower; times he and a neighbor drove the Model-T Ford across the frozen lake at Warren's Lake and heard the ice crack and rumble; the time he hid in the rumble seat when his older brother was on a date; when he played the accordion, guitar or banjo with his brother, Ralph at dances and other events. We remember when Dad played hide and seek and helped one of us hide under the sink or on a closet shelf; playing checkers, marbles or Hex and he was always the winner; Saturday night music time when he and two of his kids played different instruments and everyone sang; showing us how to pole vault using a metal pipe while wearing irrigation boots; teaching square dancing to members of our 4-H club; calling square dances at the monthly potluck gatherings in the community school building; doing custom work for local farmers who didn't have a bailer, combine or corn harvester; repairing machinery for himself and neighbors using his Forney welder, or if all else failed, using bailing wire; playing competitive fast-pitch softball until he was 60; attending sports events when family members were on the team. We remember Dad playing the organ while Mom listened. Dad had a great musical ear and could make up lovely tunes or play old favorites without a lick of music. There were scary accidents when Dad went full force working hard, like the time he used Keith's motorcycle to go and check on Keith's plowing. On the way back down the field he lost control and went head first into the jaws of the cattle loading chute. He was knocked cold and ended up with a fractured cheekbone. Another time he was opening a hay field so a grandson could earn some extra money doing custom work for a neighbor. He went against his own rules and did not turn off the power take-off operating from the tractor. The sleeve of his shirt caught in the rotating gear and ripped every stitch of clothing from his body. Somehow he held himself away from the gear and was left naked in the field except for his hat and boots. Needless to say, his body was bruised and a bloody mess. Our dad was a tough man. Dad was proud to be a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 82 years. He served as an elder and sang in the choir. Dad served as a Larimer County Commissioner and during his tenure helped man the command post following the tragic 1976 Big Thompson flood. He worked with the governor and other dignitaries in rebuilding and solving problems caused by the flood's devastation. He was part of the Tri-county committee that initiated coordination between counties. Dad enjoyed a good hand of bridge and played in several different bridge groups for over 65 years. He will be remembered by his coffee buddies. For years he enjoyed spinning a yarn at McDonalds as he met for morning coffee. John lost Jackie, his life partner, in 2009. They shared over 70 years of marriage, enjoying travels in several countries and in nearly every state in the U.S. Probably their greatest enjoyment involved sharing with, often caring for, and cheering on their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. John is survived by Carol Alford and husband, Dave, Thaine Michie and wife, Marilynn, Rex Michie and wife, Sally, Keith Michie and wife, Karen, sister-in-law, Dorathy Kendall and twenty-eight grandchildren. We are grateful and thankful for all the memories and guidance. Dad, we will carry your legacy into the next generations. Cremation has been conducted and the family will hold a private memorial. Those wishing to honor John's memory may make a contribution to First Presbyterian Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524.

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John Alexander Michie

February 15, 1920 - December 3, 2012