Michael Ray Worthey

Mike, 72, of Aurora, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on July 31, 2025. Alongside a dedicated team of doctors and caregivers, he fought valiantly, but cancer ultimately won. He passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2026.

Born to Ray and Gloria (Montgomery) Worthey on August 8, 1953, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Mike was raised as the second of five children. Their modest 1,100-square-foot home was filled with love and laughter, nurturing his early passion for sports. From a young age, he developed a love for basketball and baseball, along with a lifelong devotion to the New York Yankees—even with the heartbreak in 1960 when they lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates. His competitive spirit carried through every stage of life, from baseball and softball to bowling, basketball, racquetball, and, in his final years, pickleball.

Mike met Linda (Aycock) Worthey in 1975, and they married on September 4, 1976. Raised in a proud USAF family, Linda had a desire to travel, leading to a conversation where Mike playfully said, “I’ll do it if you will.” They enlisted together through the Buddy System, sharing their first wedding anniversary during basic training. Those early days were filled with cherished memories—sneaking glances during drills and arranging quick meetings in photo booths just to steal a kiss.

Their military journey took them to Hurlburt AFB in Florida, Hellinikon AFB in Athens, Greece, Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan, and finally Lowry AFB in Denver. Mike took immense pride in serving in the United States Air Force. When force reductions came, he chose to retire after 17.5 years, with his time as an instructor at the Inventory Management School standing out as a highlight. While he loved his military career, his family was always his greatest priority. With Linda thriving in her work and the kids settled in their schools, the decision to retire and remain in Colorado to be closer to aging parents felt right.

Following his military service, Mike explored several roles, including a brief time with USPS before transitioning into inventory management positions at Air Methods, Ingram Micro, and Core-Mark International. He also gave his time generously as a volunteer at Harvard Square Retirement and Assisted Living, where he became affectionately known as “SportsTalk Mike.” Each week, he gathered sports updates to share with residents, organized billiards games, and planned outings to Rockies games and Broncos training camps. He was one of Linda’s favorite and most dedicated volunteers.

Mike’s love of sports extended into many roles—working for the Colorado Rockies, umpiring youth through high school baseball games, and serving as a scout for Frontier Airlines, which allowed him and Linda to travel frequently. Together, they explored the world, from a life-changing safari in Tanzania to multiple cruises through the Panama Canal. Still, their favorite destination remained Cozumel, Mexico, where they built lasting friendships and fully embraced the local culture.

About eight years ago, Mike discovered pickleball, which quickly became a true passion. He played a minimum of 4 days a week, competed at a high level, and proudly celebrated a tournament win three years ago. Through the sport, he built a vibrant community of friends both locally and in Cozumel.

Mike often spoke about the legacy he was leaving behind. His family was everything to him. He adored them deeply and was heartbroken at the thought of not celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with his best friend, Linda. His bond with his daughter Tiffany (“Dippers”) was especially close, and the connection he shared with his son Christopher—who lovingly called him “Papi”—was something many admired.

That legacy began with his children and continued to grow through his grandchildren. Nothing brought Mike more joy than being a grandfather. He showed up in every way—cheering from the sidelines, smiling from the audience, and never missing a moment that mattered. He had a way of making each of them feel deeply known, supported, and unconditionally loved. He would do anything and everything for them, and they knew it. His presence, his guidance, and his unwavering support will continue to shape their lives.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the countless memories we shared as a family. Our children have chosen wonderful partners, and together they have blessed us with five beautiful grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter Tiffany (Aidan) and their children Cooper, Madelyn, and Cameron; son Christopher (Emilia) and their children Audrey and Caleb; sister Linda (Joe) Bolling; brothers Mark (Deborah) Worthey and Patrick (Kristi) Worthey; along with many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Chelsey Christine and sister Faith Brandt.

A Celebration of Life with Air Force Honors will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the Horan & McConaty Chapel, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO 80014. All family and friends are welcome to attend. 

Dress for the Celebration of Life Service is casual. Guests are encouraged to wear attire representing one of Mike’s favorite sports teams (New York Yankees, Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Avalanche, Nuggets, or any USAFA team) or your favorite pickleball gear.

The celebration of life will be live-streamed, so those unable to attend in person can participate virtually by clicking on this link: https://foreverinourhearts.love/pages/michael-r-worthey

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in memory of Mike to one of the following organizations, both of which were meaningful to him and to our family:

CU Division of Surgical Oncology - Pancreatic Cancer Research  

Rocky Mountain Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Michael will be cremated and his ashes and the ashes of his infant daughter, Chelsey, will privately be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.