Michael Lee Bridgewater

November 16,2023, Michael Bridgewater peacefully passed from this world into the loving embrace of his Heavenly father. Preceding him in death, his parents Dale and Edna Bridgewater, Sister Patricia Oskverek and his First wife Sharon Bridgewater.

Michael Bridgewater was born to Dale and Edna, June 13,1946 in Wichita, Kansas. During Michael’s early years, the family moved around following job opportunities eventually settling on the Front Range. Michael graduated from Broomfield High School where he lettered in Football, Wrestling and track and later would pass on that love as a coach. After graduation, Michael enrolled at Adam State College to work on his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology/ Mathematics as well as his teaching certificate.. It was there that he met and married his first love Sharon Mallett on November 27,1966. Two years later the first of two children, Laura, was born. Shortly after graduation, their family moved to Fruita, Colorado where he accepted a teaching position at Fruita Middle School. It was there,that their second child Michael (Mikey) was born and Mr. B.started his impactful career, bringing understanding of Mathematics/ Health subjects to all those students that passed through his doors. Mr. B was a quick witted character who brought humor to his learning environment, and was known throughout the school for his jokes and antics as well as his availability to help his students when they struggled. Mr. B was much loved! Michael’s heart for teaching also extended into the church as he led Sunday School and devotional groups through the years. Michael followed the Lord with all his heart, and was dedicated to living according to God’s word. He and Sharon were involved with every church they attended, participating in choir, children’s church, men’s groups, outreaches etc., to include anything that his wife and children were involved in that needed to be done.He was a very dedicated husband and father, sacrificing much through hard work, time and finances. In 2015 Michael lost his wife Sharon to Pancreatic Cancer and his heart was broken, but God is good and as he moved forward in God’s healing and grace, he and Hazel Vesely were married on June 17, 2016. He was blessed, as are we, that Hazel became a part of the Bridgewater crew.  We are blessed with having such a beautiful soul added to the family, as well as the addition of her daughters, son-n-law and grandchildren. Michael enjoyed his later years traveling, fishing and camping in God’s beautiful outdoors with Hazel as well as the occasional competitive game of Rummikub.

Michael is survived by his Wife Hazel, his children Laura(Joe) and Michael(Stephanie), Teressa(Tony), Becky as well as his 10 grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Service will be November 27, 2023 at 11:00 am located at The Rock Church at 2170 S. Broadway Grand Junction, CO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kwa-bata Orphanage in care of the Rock Church.