Michael Britton – March 19, 2024

Michael John Britton, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family. He was 72 years old.

Born on December 26, 1951, in Deadwood, South Dakota to Ramona Doran Britton and Virgil William Britton, Mike spent his formative years in the picturesque town of Sturgis, South Dakota. He attended Sturgis Brown High School where he excelled in academics and athletics. After graduation, Mike pursued his passion for service and education, attending The United States Military Academy at West Point from 1970 to 1972 before embarking on a career path that would shape his life in profound ways.

Following his departure from West Point, Mike dedicated himself to serving his country, joining the Army before transitioning to become the County Assessor for Meade and Butte Counties, South Dakota. Always seeking new challenges, he furthered his education at the REAL School of Mines, South Dakota School of Mines, in Rapid City, South Dakota, graduating in 1982 with a degree in Geological Engineering.

Mike began his career in the energy industry at Amoco Production Company in Oklahoma City as an operations engineer where he met his great love and future wife, Cathy. His career at Amoco segued into the field of natural gas gathering and processing and he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1990 to further pursue the field with Transok. After leaving the energy industry, Mike’s professional journey continued on as a stockbroker, high school teacher, and producer services account manager, the last position from which he retired. His career life was characterized by dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mike cherished the time spent with his wife, Cathy; their daughters: Erin (Myles Copeland), Leanne (Joe Tharp); and his grandchildren: Henry and Jude Copeland. Mike was known as a wonderful host, bringing people together with his charm, sharp wit, keen humor, and impeccable hospitality.

After settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2009, Mike found tremendous pleasure in reconnecting with his West Point classmates for whom he hosted a monthly get together called the 4 C’s (Coffee, Cookies, Cigars and Cognac), fostering cherished friendships and reminiscing about their shared experiences.

Mike enjoyed his passions for golf, poker, fly fishing, and woodworking. He was also a cigar and whiskey aficionado, audiophile, and oenophile of the worst kind – self-taught. You could often find Mike enjoying a glass in one hand with a cigar in the other while listening to music on the patio hosting friends and family.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Virgil William Britton; stepfather, Walter Frank Saubers; grandmother, Celestine Kovarik Doran; and grandfather, John Patrick Doran.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy; loving daughters: Erin and Leanne; cherished grandchildren: Henry and Jude; caring siblings: Tad (Deanna) Britton and Pat Britton; doting mother, Ramona Saubers; and his good boy, Aengus.

Though Mike may have left this world, his spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.