Michael Lawson Bailey

Michael Lawson Bailey

Michael Lawson Bailey, 54, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Mont., after complications from a stroke.

Viewing will be held today from 11 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. His funeral service will be 11 a. m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Fifth Avenue Christian Church, with Pastor John Chapman officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the Eagles immediately after the services at the graveside. Memorial contributions in Mike's honor may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Spokane Unit, P.O. Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Mike was born Jan. 15, 1958, in Havre, Mont., to Howard L. and Martha A. (Head) Bailey. As a young boy he moved with his family to Valparaiso, Ind., where his father worked at the steel mills. The family returned to Havre in 1973. Mike graduated from Havre High School in 1976 and went to work with his father and grandfather for Head and Bailey Construction, which he and his brother, Steve, operated together.

Mike was an honest, hard-working man. He loved spending time outdoors, fishing on his deck boat, hunting and snowmobiling with his best friend, Steven. He also enjoyed camping, four-wheeling, barbecuing, working in his yard and gardening. He loved to cook and make salsa and pickles and fry fish for his family and friends when they all got together.

Mike was one of a kind, a friend to everyone and would do anything for people. He loved watching the World Series, Super Bowl, horse racing and NASCAR and would bet on the outcomes with whoever wanted to.

He enjoyed all of his fishing trips to Alaska, Helena, Tiber and Fresno. He enjoyed people, visiting and harassing them. He had a comment and a name for everything and everyone, so no one felt left out.

Mike was a "Mr. Fix-It. " He never wanted to throw anything out because he could always refurbish it and make it work. He was a strong-willed man, yet kind-hearted man, who loved Wendy, his children, family and his buddy Ozzy, very much.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman and Betty Head and Lester and Ann Marie Bailey; his parents, Howard and Martha Bailey; and a step-daughter Christina Culbertson.

Mike is survived by his spouse, Wendy Mack of Havre, Mont. ; his three step-children. Heidie Culbertson of Havre, Lorren Mack of San Diego, Calif., and Samantha Mack of Kalispell; his brother Steve Bailey and family, Melissa Bailey Anderson (Rob) and their daughter, Addison, Kelsie Bailey and Steven Bailey; his sister, Betty Ranes, and her children Chad and Tiffany Ranes, all of Havre; many long-time friends and extended family.