Michael Lanthier

Mike Lanthier passed away tragically and unexpectedly on June 18th in Fairplay, Colorado. He was only 42, and he deserved more time with his kids - more music, more hikes, more life.

Born in Steamboat Springs, CO, Mike was a mountain soul. He found peace in the trees and power in the silence. He was a decorated Army veteran with a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and his Combat Infantry Badge . He served with pride, carried the scars of service, and transitioned into civilian life with music as his lifeline. As Wolf7Music, he poured everything into music creating songs that spoke when words fell short.

His children were without a doubt his world, he was survived by: Alyx Lanthier, Sofia Lanthier, and Kaydon Hysong. He is also survived by the mothers of his children and his dearest friends: Jessica Vallia, Taylor Lanthier, and Angela Hysong. Women who all unconditionally loved each version of him and banded together to form one hell of a tight knit family for all of their children - whether related by blood or not. He will also be deeply missed by his Aunt Janie and Uncle Mark Patterson, as well as his cousins Heather Rullo and Tom Patterson, who were more like siblings. And of course he will be remembered by the many military friends who became family over the years: Tim & Rachel Abair, Ross Castellano, Aaron Stone, Jeffery Allen, Jason Preston and so many more that there is just not enough room to list. He was preceded in death by his brothers of war Moore, Ferguson, Brink, Harvey, Bayliss, Howard, Pritchard, and Lewis. May they all be reunited and resting in peace.

Mike was known for a lot of things - his quick wit, dry sense of humor, stubborn streak, and perfectly timed sarcasm. He could be a pain in the ass (and he’d want that said), but underneath it all he had the kindest, most selfless heart. He was loyal to a fault and served from his soul - his family, his friends, his music, his country - always before himself.

There will be a small private memorial with military honors in Colorado Springs for close friends and family. Mike wouldn’t want a big production. Just a quiet, meaningful goodbye with music in the background and inappropriate laughter on his behalf one last time together.

If you'd like to support his children, a donation link has been set up to help with funeral expenses and a future fund for the kids: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-kids-after-sudden-loss-of-their-veteran-dad

He was one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. And even though the world is quieter now without him, his music and the love he gave will echo loudly for the rest of our lives. To listen to his music: https://michaellanthier.bandcamp.com/