Mike Townsdin lived fully and passionately, with a mischievous grin. Born and raised in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Mike made Leadville his home for 52 years, a mountain town that suited him perfectly. At 78 years old, he passed peacefully on May 31, 2026, at 6:29 a.m., just as the sun rose over his beloved peaks. 

Mike was a Marine veteran, a lineman, a rancher, and a hunter, but above all, he was a force of nature. He never met a stranger; to Mike, everyone was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. Famous for his perfectly timed (and occasionally ill-timed) pranks, he had a rare gift for making people feel alive in his company. Beneath the humor was a man of deep integrity, whose handshake was a promise and whose code was as solid as the Rockies. 

His faith was the bedrock of his life. A devoted Christian, Mike’s belief was woven into everything he did. He truly belonged to the land, whether working a ranch, tracking game in the high country, or simply standing beneath the Colorado sky. He possessed the strength of a man who built with his hands and the quiet wisdom of one who understood what truly mattered. 

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Townsdin; his daughters, Shannon Kinney, Shannon Mariani, and Renee Baines; his sons-in-law, Adam, Bubba, Mark, and Brandon; and nine grandchildren who knew the joy of his immense love. He also leaves behind his brother Kenny, sister-in-law Pam, sister Patty, brother-in-law Dave, sister Christine, sister-in-law Karen, brother-in-law Michael (his wife Pam), and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Dad (J Roy), Mom (Mary Jane), and daughter (Tara Konruff), who undoubtedly all heard him coming.

 Mike leaves behind a rich trail of lives shaped, stories that will be told for decades, and a simple philosophy that defined him:

"Life is good." And for Mike Townsdin and those he loved, it truly was. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date and will be announced.