I am the eldest of 8 kids. My brother Mike was the third child, younger than me and Thomas; older than Mary, Marie (Mitzi), John, Patrick, and Barbara. Michael was the first of my brothers and sisters to die. My daughter prepared a slide show of pictures and music commemorating Mike. Here is a link to the slide show, on my daughter's public drop box:
Here is what Mary, Mitzi, and Barbara wrote for an obituary. Sue and I helped a tiny amount, with editing.
Michael Allen Carew, 65, of Thornton, CO, unexpectedly passed away at his home on May 9, 2022.
Michael was born on July 27, 1956, to Marie and Donald Carew in Bar-le-Duc, France. He was the third oldest child of eight children. Michael attended Roy J. Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, and Colorado State University in Ft Collins, Colorado.
In 1983, a mutual friend introduced Michael to Susan Cronn. She was a Kansas girl who absolutely stole his heart. She came from a large family much like his own, and she could keep pace with Mike’s humor and wisecracks. Mike and Susan wed on June 8, 1985, in WaKeeney, KS. They raised three children together, Adam M. Carew, Jacob A. Carew, and Sarah R. Carew. He loved his family with all of his heart and was a devoted family man. He was the volunteer Cub Scout leader for Adam’s troop. He took his family on many camping adventures, fishing trips, and built many things for their enjoyment.
He was happiest doing DIY projects with the family, such as the time he stood back and took in the view of Jacob finishing the shingles on the new backyard shed while others put final touches on it. Over the years the projects included him building bunk beds, decks for family barbecues, installing a huge fence with a 20’ gate, behind which he parked the family’s beloved RV. He took on elaborate landscaping projects. It was during the family construction of a particularly complex wall that his daughter, Sarah, decided to become an engineer. He built many berms, planted dozens of trees, built garden structures and installed waterlines for Susan’s vegetable gardens and her many flowerbeds.
After college, he went to work in the Data Processing Dept. at 1st National Bank of Ft Collins. This was the kick-start to his 36-year career in IT Support. Over the years his career took him to Pinnacle Insurance, Level 3 Communications, and McKesson Medical-Surgical Corp. Following retirement from his primary profession, Michael worked for RTD (Rapid Transit Denver). Many know this fulfilled his long-time curiosity of driving BIG rigs. It also tapped into his embrace of all challenges. A 2nd career, driving a vehicle bigger than a house, in downtown Denver traffic through many rush hours, some winter storms or regular weekend traffic was a challenge he could not pass up. Michael retired July, 2021.
Michael was an accomplished athlete. In high school Mike won letters in multiple sports, specifically track and field, wrestling, and football. He went to state playoffs in all three sports and either won the championship or a medal each time (Football ’73 and ‘75, Wrestling ’75, and Track ’74). Following high school graduation in 1975, Michael accepted a full-ride football scholarship to Colorado State University, in Ft Collins, CO. This scholarship was awarded not only for his history as a successful football player but also for his academics, proven leadership, teamwork, and for his record as a positive, tenacious, yet coachable player — all traits he would continue to demonstrate throughout his life.
The CSU Rams were a Division 1 team, playing in the Western Athletic Conference. He was voted co-captain year after year both in high school and college. Michael proudly wore #54 on the green and gold uniform, yet he was humble and a teammate to his core. Number 54 was a steadfast and determined athlete, always setting his plan and working that plan — a habit he kept throughout life. He won many accolades over the years and was always the first to give credit to the team for efforts and accomplishments. He was voted Defensive Player of the Game and awarded the game ball at least three times in his college career. In 1979, he received national recognition with an honorable mention award on the 1979 NCAA All-American Football Team.
Michael also enjoyed reading about a broad range of topics starting with his fondness for old maps, up to small business opportunities, construction, and other topics. His application of knowledge and skills to the tasks before him helped him achieve success in life. In sports, with family, as a leader and a friend, Michael brought a presence that always filled the room with love and joy. He will be deeply missed by all who have known him.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Donald Carew, as well as his mother and father in-law, Harriette and Arden Cronn. He is survived by his wife Susan of 36 years, his sons Adam and Jacob (Samantha Knipple), and daughter, Sarah (Trevor Ballinger), all of whom he loved deeply. He is also survived by his siblings David Carew (Susan), Tom Carew (Julie), Mary Langford (Lester), Marie Meintz (Tim), John Carew, Barbara Langer, and Patrick Carew (Julye) as well as his extended family, step-grandson Zakiah Knipple, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Paula Cronn (Antonia De La Guerra), Barbara Roberts (Wayne), Harry Cronn (Amanda), Cathy Cronn, Julie Leiker (Craig), as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
I have a remarkable, talented family. God I miss my brother, and will do so for a long, long time.