Michael Simone Obituary

Michael Robert Simone passed away on March 25, 2023, on his own terms at St. Mary's Medical Center in Grand Junction, CO, from respiratory complications caused by a stroke. He was born in Manhattan, NY, on May 17 to Dominic and Ann Simone and lived his first 25 years in NY. Mike wedded his high school sweetheart, Jan, in 1973 and they dedicated 21 years together in marriage. In 1975, Mike and Jan moved to Kalamazoo, MI, where they continued their educational paths. Mike received his Mechanical Engineering degree and Automotive Engineering degree from Western Michigan University in 1978. Soon after, he and Jan moved to Salt Lake City, UT, where Mike pursued engineering and real estate. Mike relished camping adventures in the Red Rock Country of southern Utah. He also honed his skills as a telemark skier and hiker in the Wasatch Mountains. Mike finally settled in Durango in early 2000s where he was able to foster his love of hiking, walking, biking and the general outdoors. His passion was blazing trails on 14,000+ foot mountains (14ers). While in Durango, Michael applied his engineering and real estate experience towards a career as a Certified Professional Landman. He was highly regarded by his professional peers for his hard work, attention to detail and pleasant demeanor. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Dominic, and his mother, Ann, as well as his close hiking buddy of 40 years, Ron Doshier. He is survived by his brother, Nick, and leaves behind many special people in his life from New York, Utah and Colorado. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on May 17, 2023, at Zia Taqueria in Durango, CO.