Read Michael aka Mike Thomas Frankovich's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Michael aka Mike Thomas Frankovich

Durango, CO, USA

May 29, 1962 - February 10, 2020

May 29, 1962 - Feb 10, 2020

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Michael Thomas Frankovich better known to his Friends as Mike or “Chief Mike” age 57 passed away February 10, 2020 in Durango, Colorado
Mike was born May 29, 1962 in Texas to Peggy Reil Frankovich and George James Frankovich Jr.
He was the youngest of 3 Siblings and the Only Son.
Mike was a 1980 Graduate of Pasadena High School in Pasadena, Texas.
Where he was known as one of the nicest Guys In his class with a kind, gentle spirit , a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.
He spent many hours of his HS Years Bodybuilding with his Dad George both in their Garage and at the Gym. And using the Skills he learned in School to fix a lot of friends T.V’s!
He had a lot of hobbies back then he practiced Martial Arts, he enjoyed going to the Houston Wrestling Matches where His Dad worked an extra job as a Houston Police Officer. He had reptiles a huge snake and a small Caiman.
He was an animal lover.
Mike helped out at His Family’s Business but it definitely wasn’t his calling.
He was meant for greater things than Pasadena had to offer for someone like Mike.
He got a call from a Friend who told him about the State of Georgia having an opening at a Wilderness Program for Young Boys.
It was called O.T,P Appalachian Wilderness Program.
Mike was over 4 other Men known as “The Cherokees “..The Cherokees were the oldest group, and for most of the boys it was it was their last chance before entering Adulthood.
Mike was known as a remarkable leader. He was fair and just. He didn’t show partiality to kids based on color or financial standing.
He was known as a Great Role Model and touched the lives of many kids.
To this day the now Grown Men find themselves reflecting on the things Chief Mike taught them and Thank a God for placing Him in their paths as he was such a positive male influence in a time when they needed one the most.
After leaving O.T.P.
Mike took 6 months and went onto his great adventure of a Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from a Georgia to Maine.
He met many fellow travelers along the way but the one he was most inspired and proudest of meeting was the Famous Bill Irwin the First Blind Man who along with his Dog also hiked the entire Trail.
Mike then drove around the Country until he found the place he called home for the rest of his life. Beautiful Durango, Colorado.
In 2008 he had a very serious jaw infection and had to return to Houston.
Along some great Drs and with the help and care of his Family, Mike recovered enough to return to a Durango. Unfortunately it left him disabled.
But he didn’t let it get him down. He was a true Mountain Man, a Survivalist, Wilderness lover at Heart.
He held so much knowledge about so many different things he could have written a book.
He loved Politics and filled his Facebook page with his Trump Train posts.
When he was only given less than 6 months or less to live (more than once )
with His COPD his few regrets were not being able to leave Colorado last fall for Livingston, Texas where he hoped his Landlord who was in Livingston would help take care of Him. Getting out of the altitude and the cold may have given him more time but we will never know.
He understood although he wrote that he felt abandoned, that broke my heart and by the time Winter arrived it was to late for Him to go anywhere.
Yet, He didn’t hold anything against anyone.
That wasn’t Mike he mostly laughed at the craziness of people and their behaviors.
He always talked about teaching a young girl who lived close how to be safe. Safety for others especially Young Women it was very important to him.
The lack of running water (to many times) and little heat , in his condition took him down while he was trying his best to get his affairs and boxes of things he wanted others to have in order.
He wanted to find Homes for his beloved Cats Reaper and Mouser.
Mike was all they knew it bothered him. That did make him sad.
I don’t think he could let go of them yet.
Thanks to his caseworkers who deemed the Trailer he was paying rent for uninhabitable last year and trying their best to get him into Palliative Care.
He needed to go and really considered it but wanted to spend his “Ghost Money” he loved his freedom to much. I know he shared his joke about going to Vegas.
He was trying to make plans of getting an apt and getting his own help until it ran out. It just wasn't meant to be.
Thanks to his friend Wendy who showed up in time to talk him into going to a Motel for his last week where he could at least enjoy a warm shower and some comforts he should have had all along.
I only knew of Wendy through Mike and he was so very grateful when She showed up.
So was I. I don’t listen to gossip or rumors. Neither did Mike.
I watch what people do ...actions or lack of speak for themselves.
If not for Wendy I would still be looking for my sweet friend.
Mike was at peace with his fate he wasn’t sad he spent his last hours sending pictures of his beautiful Colorado and other things he loved.
Mikes ashes are in Colorado where he is now at peace and part of the land he loved.
Mike was preceded in death by his Parents Peggy and George Frankovich.
He is survived by his Two Sisters Cindy Porterfield and Patti Nicholson, Two Nephews, a Niece their Spouses and many great Nieces and Nephews and the friends that loved him and were there for him until the end.
Shine on in your Heaven Mike enjoy your reunions with those that have gone before you. I can picture your beautiful Moms smile, Your Dads laughter and his voice, Teals laughter.. Until we will meet again you are forever loved and fondly remembered 🙏🌈❤️♾❤️

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