Michael James Brazington was born Oct. 28, 1957, at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, to Darrill and Mary (Hale) Brazington. The oldest of four, he grew up with sisters Lynne and Cindy traveling the winding gravel roads of Idaho and Montana quietly so mom could focus on driving. He spent every summer in a tent or camper, fishing the streams, and every fall hunting the deer and elk in the woods. He learned to drive a pickup at an early age sitting on pillows to see over the steering wheel, honing his mechanical skills by fixing all the breakdowns that inevitably came with it.
Mike's love of logging started early on as he worked alongside Dad - first bumping knots, to running the cat and skidder. His happiest times were spent behind the wheel of a logging truck winding his way to and from the latest logging job. In the past few decades, he traded that driver's seat for one in a buncher/processor for Bowles and Son Logging.
Mike married Annette Rosenberger fresh out of high school, eventually landing in Troy, where he fathered three wonderful people, Dante Fisher, Justin Brazington and Mitchell Brazington. Eighteen years ago, following a bachelor move to Onaway, he found his best friend, Cheri Salmon, and married her the moment she said yes. Bonus kids Aaron and Diana Sheriden were inducted into the Brazington fray.
Mike lived with an open door and an open heart. His home was full of grandkids, and pets and friends, and his front porch ever ready for an impromptu cold beer and bull session. He joyfully shared his passion for trucks and guns and bows and fishing with his wife, his dad, his kids, and grandchildren, Gavin, Jacob, Raylan, Hailey, Kendal, Alexis and Rian.
Family who were there to greet Mike last Friday were plentiful - younger brother Galen (1959), sister Lynne (1995), dad Darrill (2012) and mom Mary (2016). We have no doubt there was a loud celebration when he arrived. Those he leaves behind are too numerous to list out: wife Cheri; kids and bonus kids, Jolene and Rika; a horde of grandchildren; a village of family and friends; and one very orphaned baby sister who is authoring this, so she can say what she wants.
Anyone knowing Mike would know he wouldn't have wanted a big formal sad thing. The best tribute you can pay Mike is stories, laughter, and cold beer shared with those who love him.
There will be a celebration of life silent auction fundraiser at 2 p.m. Saturday at Railroad Park in Potlatch. Covered-dish dinner arrangements are headed by Jackie Meckel of Potlatch.
