Michael John Birk

In a life far too short, Michael John Birk, age 34, of Denver, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017. He was born on January 22, 1983. Mike was the beloved son of Mary and David Birk, soulmate to his fiancée, Amanda Guerrero, brother of Dan, brother-in-law to Dan's wife, Ana Sempertegui , and uncle and godfather to Morgan. Mike graduated from Grandview High School in 2001, received his Bachelors of Science in Business, cum laude, from the University of San Diego in 2005, and earned an MBA in 2009 from the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, where he graduated first in his class. He worked as a Financial Analyst at EchoStar Corporation in Denver. Mike was smart, quick witted, and magnetic. His charm and smile could light up a room, and he always took the opportunity to make people feel welcome and included. Mike was a talented athlete. He swam, fished, played golf, tennis, soccer, hockey, baseball, and lacrosse, and he surfed and skied with an irrepressible sense of adventure. He was a passionate and devoted Broncos fan and a fantasy football genius. Most of all, Mike cherished his family and friends. Although a true Coloradan at heart, he enjoyed every minute of his four years in San Diego, where he surfed almost every day. Mike loved traveling, especially his trip to Hawaii with Amanda. He was sure that Heaven would be like a Hawaiian beach. In his last days, Mike summed it up perfectly when he said, ""I have a lovely life."" Mike will be remembered as a loving and caring son, life partner, brother, uncle, and friend and will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched with his gentleness and warmth. Services will be held at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church on May 17, 2017 at 10 a.m. with a lunch to follow at the church. A Rosary will be said for Mike on May 16, 2017 at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, Colorado at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association in Mike's name. In one of Mike's favorite songs, Freebird, the question is asked: ""If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"" Yes, Mike, we'll remember you – we'll remember you for your light, your heart, your warmth, and your love. Godspeed. Please give your condolences to the Birk family and sign the registry below.