Obituary of Michael Raines

Michael Steven Raines was born to Marion and Muriel Mert (Fulks) Raines on St. Patrick’s Day of 1950 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mike peacefully passed on to meet his savior on May 5th, 2014 in Longmont, Colorado. Mike was born into this world with special needs, but he was blessed with a kind heart and a gentle spirit. Mike was one of four children, and collectively they were a handful for their parents. In his early years he went back to his family roots in Kansas to a private school. There, he resided with a very sweet elderly lady who cared for a handful of children with similar needs until she was no longer able to do so. Mike returned to Colorado in his teen years and entered the care of the State of Colorado in Grand Junction. He resided there for a few years before returning closer to home on the Front Range. As the state system progressed, Mike gradually moved into smaller and smaller homes to eventually be cared for by individuals in a family environment in Boulder County. Mike thrived in this atmosphere and grew very attached to a number of his caretakers as well as other housemates. Programs such as “Community Advantage” and “Imagine” provided Mike with the opportunity to hold small jobs where he assisted and provided company to others. He also had the opportunity to socialize at dinners, summer camps, picnics, as well as Rockies and Nuggets games. Despite his disabilities, Mike truly lived a very healthy, happy-go-lucky life. Mike’s true home was in Limon and with his family. From a young age Mike enjoyed the family farm operation and always looked forward to harvest time. Over the years Mike accompanied each and every niece for hours on the combine. Family was important to Mike, and he looked forward to holidays at home never missing a Thanksgiving or Christmas.He had an appreciation for Sunday church service and took it upon himself to say “grace” at each holiday meal. If you had the pleasure of meeting Mike, you knew he was a man of “distinctive” greetings. He was incredibly likable and charismatic, even to those who were complete strangers. He rarely, if ever, met anyone who wasn’t a friend, and you could always count on him to have your back. Mike had a love for music and singing, Pepsi and cherry pie, a new cap, and a good magazine in the sun. He rarely had occasion to be in a hurry and truly took time to enjoy life. Mike always has and will continue to have a special place in all our hearts. Mike is survived by his parents, Marion and Muriel Raines of Limon; sister, Kathy Clemons (Bud) of Kersey; sister, Sandi Collie (Jim) of Arriba; brother Sid Raines (Penni) of Franktown; along with 4 nieces, 2 grandnieces, 1 grandnephew, uncles, aunts and many cousins.