Mike Lockard

"How lucky are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." — A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

It is with hearts both heavy and grateful that we share the passing of our beloved Mike. For five years, he fought cancer with the courage of a warrior and the stubborn determination of a man who'd fix anything with whatever tools were handy—whether they were the right ones or not. To everyone who loved him, his bravery was nothing short of miraculous. And knowing Mike, he'd want us to celebrate the beautiful life he lived, not mourn that it's ended.

If you knew Mike, you knew a man whose heart was as big as the Wyoming sky. He was a wonderful husband who loved his wife Lea with his whole being. He was a kind soul who opened his home and heart to his grandchildren, raising them as his own. Always there to lend a helping hand and he believed in people when they didn’t believe in themselves. His love for cars and dismantling engines led to his driveway looking like a car sales and repair shop! He could fix absolutely anything (seriously, *anything*). He cherished his family, and he treasured his friends and real estate colleagues with a loyalty that never wavered.

Born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Mike spent magical childhood summers at his family's cabin in the Big Horn Mountains. It was there, in the good company of his beloved dad and grandpa, that he fell head-over-waders in love with fishing—a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Even when battling Cancer, he insisted upon taking his kids and grandkids to the beautiful mountains he cherished. His friends Mike and T.J. shared that same passion for the outdoors and beautiful skies. Their boating, fishing, and camping trips were filled with adventure and word has it a lot of mischief.

Mike loved to cook, and his culinary creations were the stuff of legends. He mastered a dessert he called "Death by Chocolate," and when anyone dared ask for the recipe, he'd grin and say, "If I tell you, I'll have to kill you!" One of his sisters fondly described his humor as "Henny Youngman-level"—quick, clever, and delivered with perfect timing.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Harold and Maxine Lockard. He is survived by

his wife of 38 years, Lea Lockard; his sisters Victoria, Sharon, and Pattie; his daughters Michelle, Kristi, Taylor, and Shanna, his son Michael, multiple sister-in-law’s, granddaughter, Faith and niece Laney Brandt, as well as many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his first wife, Sheryl Lockard, and his beautiful adopted mother, Darlene Klammer.

A special thank you to T.J. and Danelle Johnson, Stacy and Kendell Ashba, Mike Mundell, and the many family members and friends who stood by Mike's side, offering love, comfort, and care when he needed it most. Our deepest gratitude also goes to the compassionate team at Central Wyoming Hospice who helped make his final journey as peaceful as possible.

A celebration of Mike's life is scheduled for early summer. We will share details as the date approaches or you can email sharon@sharonberrett.com. In the meantime, if you would like to honor Mike's memory with a donation, please consider giving to Honoring 307 Heroes in his name. https://www.honoring307heroes.com/donate

Please take the time to write your favorite memories about Mike on the Newcomers site.

Mike lived fully, loved deeply, and left us with memories that will warm our hearts forever.

To share a memory of Harold or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.