Michael G. Fay

June 24, 1936 - August 26, 2015

Age: 79

Residence: Greeley

Michael George Fay passed from this life peacefully at his home in Greeley, with his eldest daughter Patti by his side, on the morning of Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Michael had been locked in a battle with a very rare and totally disabling form of Parkinson’s disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. His courageous battle had gone on for many years, the last four being the most devastating. He fought with a strength and grace that amazed all medical professionals, friends and family alike.

Michael was born on Wednesday, June 24, 1936 to George R. and Wilma (Gallagher) Fay, in Sacramento, California. He was the eldest of 3 boys. The family moved quite often, as his father was a career military man and veteran of WWII. Mike primarily attended Christian Brothers Schools and was a huge supporter of education throughout his life. He attended high school in Baltimore, MD and senior year moved to Albuquerque, NM where he graduated from St Mary’s High School in 1955. The family then moved to Denver, CO where Mike attended some college.

He married Myrley Foley in 1959 and they had one child. Myrley died unexpectedly, from an undiagnosed brain tumor, leaving a two year old daughter whom he raised on his own while working as a bookkeeper. He later married Patricia Peterson in 1967. The family then moved to Brighton where Mike began his career in the lumber business, which he loved dearly. In 1971 the family moved to Greeley where he became the manager of United Lumber & Hardware Co. and ultimately the owner of the business. Two children, a son and daughter were born of this marriage. Mike was a family man to the hilt and loved his family deeply and did everything he could to support each of its members.

Michael’s life was one of service to mankind. His military service began in 1955. Right after high school, Mike joined the Air National Guard, where he served eight years in the Reserves. During that time he served one year active duty, during the Berlin Crisis, in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged.

Michael was a member of the Elks Club for 45 years, serving as a Trustee and on many committees throughout the years. He was a member of the Sertoma Club for 35 years, serving terms as Treasurer and President. He was honored as Sertoman of the Year, in 2008 by the Eaton Club. Mike worked with the Greeley Stampede as a volunteer audio-visual technician for many years. He was also a Gold Spur Donor to the Stampede for over four decades.

As an active member of the Boy Scouts of America for 45 years, Mike worked tirelessly to develop and maintain Pack and Troop 247 in Greeley for 33 years. During this time Mike earned and was awarded: the Bronze Pelican Award; the St. George Emblem, for outstanding service to the spiritual development of Catholic youth; the Pioneer Scouting Award, twice; and the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to a volunteer by a local BSA council, receiving this in 2012.

Michael was a member of the Knights of Columbus for nearly 50 years. He received his First, Second and Third Degrees in 1964 and Fourth Degree in 1983. Mike was a member of the Fr. Bud Raney Council 2160 of the Knights of Columbus and the Greeley Columbus Club Association. He ascended through the chairs to serve as Grand Knight, District Deputy, Faithful Navigator and Faithful Comptroller. He also served in the Color Corp and was on the board of the Columbus Club. Mike was instrumental in the planning, renovation and management of the Columbus Club facility and on his birthday this year the building was dedicated and named after him, Fay Hall. Mike was able to attend the ceremony and party and was honored beyond belief.

Michael was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Denver, St. Augustine Church in Brighton, and since 1971 a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley. Mike served on numerous committees throughout the years. His final committee appointment was to the 50th Anniversary committee which he could only be involved during the beginning as his illness limited his abilities to participate. He was however able to attend the magnificent 50th Anniversary celebration the weekend prior to his death on August 21 & 22, 2015. He was blessed by his congregation, the Archbishop and many wonderful priests. St Mary Church and school were most beloved by Mike and his ability to attend was a total joy.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Patricia Michele Fay of Boulder, CO; son, Christopher Michael (Raquel) of Boulder, CO; Ann Marie Fay (Jeffrey Cunningham) and grandchildren, Marlene Marie and Johnathan Michael Cunningham of Scituate, MA. He is also survived by his two brothers, James Henry Fay of CA and Ronald William (Pat) Fay and their three daughters and 11 grandchildren all of CO. Mike had many precious friends who have survived him as well, friends were family for Mike and they are too numerous to list. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved first wife.

Michael was a knight in shining armor and a boy scout and lived his life accordingly. He was a master carpenter and skilled locksmith. He conducted his life and business with honesty, integrity and compassion. His gentle spirit, bright smile and delightful sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew him. Mike inspired countless young people in their lives and careers and helped care for many who were elderly and/or ill throughout his life. He enjoyed and loved life, his family, his friends, his work and his Lord.

He embraced his progressive illness with total grace and dignity and although paralyzed and unable to eat or speak, he remained mentally as sharp, alert and witty as ever, speaking only with his eyes. Mike lived each day as an amazing testimony to the power of his beautiful Catholic faith with which he lived all his life. On August 26, 2015, he heard those beautiful words, ad he met his Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Michael’s family gives deep, heartfelt thanks to all the medical professionals, doctors, nurses, therapists and aides who cared for him so beautifully with so much love and devotion during his illness. You brightened each day. Mike was able to live in his home for the final year of his life with his eldest daughter, a gift he was beyond grateful to have received.

A visitation will be held at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 with a Rosary to follow beginning at 8:00 P.M. at the Allnutt Macy Chapel, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday September 9, 2015 at St. Mary Parish Hall, 2222 23rd Ave., Greeley, CO. Interment at Linn Grove Cemetery. A reception will be held following the interment at the Fay Hall (Knights of Columbus Hall), 2600 6th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael G. Fay Memorial Fund, curePSP or to the charity of your choice in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.