Michael Lee Byers

RICHFORD - On Thursday, January 2, 2025 after a courageous yearlong battle with angio sarcoma Michael Lee Byers Sr., 69, ended his fight at the McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT with his loving family surrounding him with love.

Michael was born on May 19, 1955 in Lawndale, North Carolina to Anne and Willam Swink. Michael had 2 brothers Johnny and Wade along with 3 sisters Nancy, Mary and Christine. Michael attended Burns High school in Lawndale, NC while working on muscle cars with friends.

In 1975 at the age of 20 he worked his way up the East Coast with a friend who knew Loretta Bosley's mother. When Loretta and Michael laid eyes on each other they knew it was love at first sight! Michael & Loretta married in September 1976, had a daughter Laura in 1978 and a son Michael "Mikey" in 1980. When Mikey and Laura got together with their spouses Amanda and Adam he treated them both just like they were his own. Mike loved his grandchildren Tyler, Connor, Lindsey and Eli and had a special bond with each and every one of them.

Michael was a hard-working husband and father. He worked as a mechanic for many years, and also worked at Fonda for several years and retired from Century Arms, Inc after 15 years in 2021. He did mechanic side jobs for friends and family to "make the ends meet". He could fix anything, and everyone knew it as they would call him with anything broken, from cars, furnaces, refrigerators and even toys his grandchildren asked him to fix! He was not a man of many words but showed his family and friends he loved them by helping them out when he was able to. When the grandchildren were born his heart grew so much more!

Michael had a love for music that ranged from classic rock to country and everything in between. His favorite artists were Elton John and Cher. For his last hours of life his family played many of his top artists for him which he truly seemed to enjoy. His love of music has been passed down to his kids and grandchildren.

Michael leaves behind the love of his life, Loretta, his daughter Laura (Adam), Mikey (Amanda), four grandchildren Tyler, Connor, Lindsey & Eli, brother Johnny, brothers-in-law Larry (Etta) and Jerry (Michelle), several nieces, nephews and special friends in North Carolina.

Michael's family would like to extend special thanks to so many angels Michael and the family worked with over his journey - Brent Devenney, RN who is a friend and pastor of the family who always knew exactly when they needed him. Dr. Steven Ades for taking him on as a patient and not ever giving up until Michael was ready to stop and always being there when the family needed him. All of the RN's and LNA's who took care of him for weeks on end while he was in their care multiple times and welcomed him back each time and listened to his family when they advocated for him and encouraged them to do so. Last but not least the McClure-Miller Respite House staff especially Sarah Davis, RN who was really there for Michael and his family for the last 12 hours of his life. He was only at the respite house for 15 hours but his family truly believes he was comfortable for the first time in months there and Sarah was a big part of that along with explaining the process to his family so it wasn't so scary.

Friends & family are invited to Michael's life celebration to include a memorial service on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT.

For those who wish, contributions in Michael's memory may be made to the Burlington Hope Lodge, 237 East Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com