Let me tell you folks
Who have gathered here today
That I’m a proud and thankful cowboy
Who has just passed away
I know it’s hard
But, please don’t cry
Fer I’m now riding’ God’s trails
High up in the sky
The hoss I’m ridin’ now
Don’t spook, buck or kick
Fer God stables perfect horses
And now I have my pick
Lord, please forgive me of all my sins
Fer I haven’t been perfect
But I know that he who believes in You
Forever wins!
I have lived a good life
A cowboys dream come true
Thank You Lord,
Fer I’m now ready to ride into eternity
Me, my horse, and You
Michael (Mike) L. Kennedy 86
Mike, a true cowboy, was born in Topeka, Kansas on May 7, 1940 to Karl L. and Gladys M. (Dart) Kennedy. Mike passed away on August 2, 2026. Mike has lived a life filled with adventures, friendships, and a deep love of family and animals. He had a varied career in the magazine industry, advertising, oil and gas management, and in investments.
Mike survived the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, and through quick thinking and a natural desire to help, he was able to immediately start tracking the arrival of fellow coworkers by checking off a list at the front door.
Mike enjoyed many hobbies over his lifetime including horsemanship, sports car racing, sailing, skiing, hunting, fishing, wine making, and jewelry making. His later passions were family history and working tirelessly for the citizens of Estes Park as a volunteer leader in preserving Estes and protecting the people who live there from the unintended problems that come with booming tourism.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Leavitt of Estes, son Bill (wife, Tami), daughter Kathy (husband, Alan), sons Drew and Colin, his grandchildren Jason, Brandi (husband Anthony), Mark, Stephan (wife Michelle) and Jake. In addition he had 6 great grandchildren who he loved very much, a dog named Chloe, and a horse named Cornbread.
Mike Loved to meet new people and swap stories. To know him, you couldn’t walk away without an interesting story and a genuine feeling that you just met someone special and maybe even a little larger than life.
