Mike Schlarb Obituary

Durango resident Mike Schlarb died Friday, July 4, 2014, from injuries suffered in a plane crash at the Durango-La Plata County Airport. He was 53.

Mr. Schlarb was born to Bill and Sharon Schlarb on April 18, 1961, in Calgary, Canada. He grew up in Canada, the East Coast and La Canada, California. He graduated from La Canada High School in 1979.

After graduating, Mr. Schlarb moved to Durango where he worked as a mechanic. He also became the youngest fireman to be hired by the Durango Fire Department.

On July 7, 1984, he married Monie Nichols in the Animas Valley. The couple had two children.

"From a very young age, Mike was insatiably curious about the world, pursued things that interested him with a single-minded focus, insane natural ability and a commitment to excellence," according to his family.

He excelled at cello, car motors, French horn, motorcycles, movie-making, fire engines, rock climbing, skydiving, banjo, electric guitar, motorboats, water sports, snow sports and anything with wings, according to his family.

Mr. Schlarb spent 18 years with the Durango Fire Department before pursuing a second career as a pilot.

He began flying in 1988 and worked as an instructor pilot for many years. He was also a fixed-wing pilot for TriState CareFlight for over eight years.

"Everyone who knew Mike admired his personality traits and respected his impeccable integrity," according to his family. "He had a calming and patient demeanor that served his life well in both of these demanding career choices that require a cool head under pressure."

Mr. Schlarb is survived by his wife of 29 years, Monie Schlarb, of Durango; son, Shane, and daughter, Amber Brown, both of Durango; parents Bill and Sharon Schlarb; and sisters Cathy Stewart, of Tucson, Arizona, and Beverly Coke, of California.

Durango Fire Protection District will lead a procession for Mr. Schlarb at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014, from Durango High School, 2390 Main St., to the Val Air Soaring Park, 27290 U.S. 550, in Durango. People should organize for the car procession no earlier than 9:30 a.m., and the high school asks that no one leave cars behind in the DHS parking lot. A potluck memorial will be held at 11 a.m. at Val-Air. Bring stories to help celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Mike Schlarb Memorial fund at the Bank of the San Juans, 1710 N. Main Ave, in Durango.