Michael K. Rice, age 77, passed away peacefully on July 7th, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, craftsmanship, and friendship. After growing up in Mapleton, IA, he moved to and became a long-time resident of Colorado Springs, CO where he graduated from Wasson High School with an emphasis on woodworking.
He spent his life working in a wide variety of occupations including framer, tattoo artist, and fishing fly tier before retiring as an important member of Fargo’s Pizza Co. Mike’s hobbies painted a portrait of a man fascinated with the land’s hidden treasures, histories, and natural beauty: he found joy in gold panning, fly fishing in quiet mountain streams, and spending time at the shooting range. He also had a passion for collecting arrowheads, firearms, and archaeological artifacts- a testament to his love for the past and the stories buried within it.
Mike is survived by a circle of loving friends who will miss his humor, stories, and companionship. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Betty Rice.
A memorial to honor Mike’s life and spirit will be held at a later date.
RIP buddy. Years of memory at Fargos Pizza Co.
Thank you for your friendship.
You will be missed Mike! I knew I had arrived when you acknowledged me. I admired your work ethic and attention to detail. I’ll forever hear your little giggle in the back! Rest easy and pain free friend!
I will miss you so much. We had so many fun times together. I could not have had a better friend. We had so much fun living on Tejon street and Vistula street in Colorado Springs. David and I enjoyed your friendship so much.
What fun we had in the mountains hunting arrowheads, building our house, playing different games. Gosh I miss you so much.
After all you were my friend since 1976 until you passed. There are just too many memories to mention them all.
Goodbye my friend
We shared many adventures together. Best friends i ever had high school buddies that stayed in touch all these years.
Mike and I spent a lot of time together in high school hiking and camping in the mountains. True friend. Miss him so much.
The end of an era! A truly great fly fisherman, a great story teller, and a great friend! Tight lines my friend!