Michael Alexander Loyer

1989 - 2021

Michael Alexander Loyer

Burlington - Michael Alexander Loyer of Burlington, Vt., died suddenly on January 9, 2021, in a tragic early-morning fire in his building.

Michael was born on November 2, 1989, in Burlington, Vt., the son of Michael Bradley Loyer and Sandra Racine Bradshaw. He graduated from South Burlington High School with the class of 2008.

He loved the outdoors, music, snowboarding, street art and photography. He also had a passion for history, politics and social sciences. Michael traveled around the U.S. and visited South Africa, Ecuador and Jamaica. His travels reinforced his strong belief in sticking up for the underdog and lending a hand whenever he could. He was also a hard worker who was good with his hands and hated to ever be late.

Unfortunately, for most of his time, Michael also was fighting for his life. What started as innocent experimentation in middle school grew into a repeated pattern of substance use, which later became a much deeper dependency after the tragic death of his father in a construction accident in 2011. Michael's heartbreaking struggles with addiction and the loss of his father led to many years of pain, mixed with wonderful stretches of hope.

His shining light through it all was the unconditional love of his only daughter and his parents. Their belief in him helped him see what might be possible. His family is comforted in knowing that on his last day here on Earth, he was happy, hopeful and smiling. And his last words to them all were simply, "I love you."

Michael is survived by his 8-year-old daughter, Saedi Jane; Saedi's mother, Tess Scott; his parents and Saedi's guardians, Sandra and Michael Bradshaw; step-grandparents David and Marilyn Bradshaw; step-grandfather John Morin; step-grandmother Barbara Loyer; aunt Darlene Loyer; uncles and aunts Steve and Mary Loyer, Tom and Lori Loyer, Shawn Morin, Jay Morin, Jack and Lauri Morin, Scott Loyer, and their families; step-uncle and step-aunt, Terence and Julie Bradshaw; and many cousins, friends and extended family on all sides, whom Michael cared about very much.

He was predeceased by his beloved father, Michael B. Loyer; grandparents Carl and Ernestine Racine; grandmother Theresa Morin; and grandfather Alexander J. Loyer.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a graveside service for immediate family only will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 11 a.m. at Resurrection Park Cemetery, 200 Hinesburg Rd., South Burlington. No indoor gatherings or funeral procession will be taking place, but the family encourages friends to pay their respects at their convenience later. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael's memory may be made to an education fund to benefit his daughter, Saedi, at gofundme.com/f/dads-love-for-saedi-education-fund or to the Northern New England Region — American Red Cross to benefit Michael's neighbors or anyone displaced or affected by fire tragedies: redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt.html.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral South Chapel 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. Please visit www.readyfuneral.com for on-line condolences and you may find a more complete obituary and leave online comments at sevendaysvt.com/lifelines.