Michael Joseph Scanlon

Memorial service for Michael "Mike" Scanlon will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, September 26, 2011 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Father Tim Martinson of St Matthew's Catholic Church officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Michael Joseph Scanlon 56, of Gillette, died Saturday, September 17, surrounded by loved ones at Close to Home Hospice Hospitality House in Gillette after his courageous battle with cancer. Mike was born on June 22, 1955 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Julia (Budenz) and Edward Scanlon, the fourth child of 6. He learned to hunt and fish from his father. After graduating from Thomas Carr Howe High school in 1973, he began working for AMAX. He had a beautiful daughter Connie in 1974. In 1976 Mike met Joyce Nelson, the love of his life. Mike was transferred to Gillette in 1978 by AMAX. Joyce followed Mike to Gillette and they married June 20, 1980. Together, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Serena in 1985. After retiring from AMAX in 1988, Mike worked at various construction jobs before obtaining a local Firemaster franchise in 1995. Mike owned Firemaster for 15 years. Mike served as an officer of the Jaycees for 5 years in the 80s. His skills and talents were numerous and varied. He could fix or construct anything he chose. During their 31 years in Gillette, Mike and Joy enjoyed many activities together. Mike continued his tradition of going to the Indianapolis 500 yearly, attending the race at least 25 times since childhood. He was thrilled to be able to attend the 100th anniversary of the event this year. He also enjoyed traveling to Louisiana to visit Joys family, whom he considered his own. Mike had numerous friends who shared his interests. He enjoyed being in a bowling league, was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved to camp and hike at Crazy Woman Canyon and enjoyed his gardening. Mike was most at home when he was outdoors and with friends. He loved his Wednesday night poker games with his buddies, and kept them all in line. Everyone enjoyed the annual pig roast party for the last 15 years. He was the friend everyone could always count on to help out when there was a need, no matter what the need entailed, from holding the hand of a sick friend to any household repair. Once you were Mikes friend, you were always his friend. As he began his 8 year battle with cancer, his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren inspired him. They were the pride of his life. He loved being a Grandpa, and was good at it. He was also excited to know two more great-grandchildren were on the way. Mike has touched the lives of so many, and will greatly be missed. As he always said, I love everybody. and Everybody is my best friend. He is survived by his mother Julia (Budenz) Wright, wife Joyce, two daughters: Connie Scanlon and Serena (Dan) Simmons, 2 brothers and 3 sisters, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.Mike was preceded in death by his father Edward Scanlon. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Mike's name, to Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.comFuneral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716