Michael George O’Dair, age 72, passed away in the loving presence of his family on August 31, 2017. Michael and his wife, Amy Jo, built their house in Monument, Colorado in 1979 and created an incredible family home together. Prior to that, they lived in Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs. He was a Senior Vice President/Senior Financial Advisor of Wealth Management with Merrill Lynch at the time of his death.
Michael was born on March 24, 1945 to George O’Dair and Claire (Robinson) O’Dair in Waltham, Massachusetts. As the son of Army Warrant Officer George O’Dair, Michael saw much of the world before his eighteenth birthday, living in 4 states, Germany, and Japan. He often highlighted attending 8 different middle schools, and he loved reminiscing on his time in Oberammergau, Germany.
Mike graduated from Florida State University in 1967, participating in Air Force ROTC and as a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was commissioned into the United States Air Force and trained as an OV-10 pilot. He flew combat sorties over South East Asia during the Vietnam Conflict as a Forward Air Controller from 1970 – 1971, and completed his USAF career in 1972. Following his USAF service, Michael spent 43 years in the financial management business, achieving numerous accolades, including the exemplary meritorious “Circle of Champions” status award from Merrill Lynch. He was highly respected by his peers and clients for his expertise.
On May 20, 1973 Michael married Amy Jo (Steele) O’Dair at First Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs. Together they devotedly raised three children, for which Mike loved coaching sports teams and attending concerts when they were young, and he was proud to see them in their places of work and homes as adults. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Amy; his children: Michael G. O’Dair Jr., Shannon Melcher, Kimberlee Gresham and her husband James; his mother: Claire O’Dair; his siblings: Timothy O’Dair, Steven O’Dair; and his grandchild: Cora June Gresham. Michael was preceded in death by his father: George O’Dair, and his brother: Christopher O’Dair.
Mike enjoyed a love/hate relationship with the game of golf, always critiquing his and everyone else’s golf swing. He organized a yearly, highly successful, charity golf tournament for Children’s Hospital, and delighted in trips to Pebble Beach. He was also a dedicated season ticket holder to US Air Force Academy football games and enjoyed attending games with family since the 1970’s. Mike treasured time with his wife and children at their family home.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2017 at The Dixon Chapel at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 East Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126. Burial will take place in Fort Logan National Cemetery STAGING AREA C, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235 at 2:00 p.m.
“We are truly appreciative of the loving way Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care surrounded Michael and the family during our journey.”