They say only the good die young, and that is certainly true for Michael Wayne Vanzant, who lived from June 7, 1972, until August 31, 2025.

Everyone adored Michael for good reason. He loved people and could talk to anyone about anything. Michael had a gift for immediately endearing people to him with his big, warm-hearted smile and soft laugh. He was a man for the people, and this would embarrass him, but he was voted prom king and homecoming king in high school and in college. He made everyone feel comfortable and interesting, and he took the time to stay in touch with people over the decades. Michael found joy in people and gave his heart freely.

A description of Michael's life would not be complete without mentioning some of the things that he loved doing, including skiing; gathering with friends and family to watch football, kayak, golf, practice yoga or play trivia with the "old guys at the end of the bar," visiting local breweries, listening to music, (especially live) and enjoying a good hand crafted cocktail. Michael also loved traveling. He had been all over Europe, as far away as Latvia and Uzbekistan. But two countries held special places in his heart—Iceland and Germany.

Michael was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and lived most of his life in Aurora, Colorado, to be near his mother, father, brother, and nieces. He loved his family dearly and spent much of his free time with them—especially during football season. However, the mountains called to Michael his entire life, and he spent his last 11 years living in a place he absolutely loved—Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He had great friends in Steamboat, like Ken Burns, Ed Andreoni, Travis Todd Elenz, Travis Gainsley, Mike and Patti Sitko and many others who cared deeply for him.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev. Earl Gholson Vanzant and Roena Addlaid (Johnson) Vanzant of Portales, New Mexico and Donald Dale Smith of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his grandmother, Rubye Jayne Smith, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; his mother and father, Donna Jayne (Smith) and Larry Wayne Vanzant, of Aurora, Colorado; his brother and sister-in-law, Steven Larry and Debra Lynn (Cirincione) Vanzant, of Aurora, Colorado; his nieces, Abigail Jayne and Kaylin Marie Vanzant, of Aurora, Colorado; numerous great aunts, aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri; and many close friends across the United States. Michael is also survived by his former spouse, Lisa Marie Cirincione, to whom he was married from 1995 to 2014.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at The Press, 1009 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487.