Michael “Mike” Maurice Ferrat
Early on the morning of September 20, 2016, Mike passed away after a long, hard fought battle with Multiple Myeloma. He passed in his home, surrounded by his family who insured his comfort in the final days. Mike was 62 years old.
Mike was born on January 18, 1954 in Spokane, WA to Maurice and Lucy Ferrat. Mike grew up on the family ranch in Toston, MT and enjoyed 4-H, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Mike’s biggest passion was music. Playing the guitar was a natural talent and prompted him to form a band with his younger brother and friends. Their band Paranoid, later Bitterroot Band, played a variety of events around Montana during his teenage years. Mike’s passion for music continued throughout his entire life. He even wrote his own music and continued to perform, play and sing until his illness made it too difficult.
Mike was a hard working family man that married his high school sweetheart, Diann Hensley. They built a life together for 42 years and had two children. He relished his title of “Papa Mike”, given to him by his grandson Andrew, whom he loved dearly.
Mike owned various businesses throughout his life yet his last job was as a security officer at the Museum of the Rockies, a job that he enjoyed due to the variety of people he worked with and met at the museum. It was during his work there that Multiple Myeloma first impacted his life. Mike would continue to battle the disease diligently for the next nine years.
Mike was preceded in death by his brother Anthony Randall Ferrat, his grandparents, his in-laws Tom and Elaine Hensley, and many friends. Mike is survived by his parents, his wife Diann, his son John (Samantha Rauser), his grandson Andrew all of Toston, MT, and his daughter Amanda of Portland, OR. He is also survived by many in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
There will be no services per Mike’s final requests. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Mike Ferrat Memorial Fund that will provide needed financial assistance to arts and music programs at Broadwater High School or to Broadwater County 4-H Council to assist with sending members to congress. State Bank of Townsend, c/o Mike Ferrat Memorial Fund, PO Box 250, Townsend, MT 59644. Broadwater County 4-H Council, Attn: Mike Ferrat Memorial, 417 Broadway, Townsend, MT 59644.
The Ferrat Family would like to thank the team at Bozeman Health Cancer Treatment Center, especially Dr. Jack Hensold, who provided Mike with kind and loving care during his battle.
“Departure from the binds of the physical is far easier than remaining present to fight.”
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Michael.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family. Mike was a classmate of ours and we have fond memories of his musical talents he shared with us. So sorry for your loss
Jane Mattson says
Sending thoughts and prayers to Mike’s family.
Beverly Hohn says
So sorry to read this- sending prayers to his family. I was also a classmate and friends with his wife and her family.
Marcia Moudree Magnus says
Mike will be remembered and missed. What you are going through is difficult. Please know you are remembered in prayer.
Jeff Krauss says
A great guy with a great attitude who helped me with my own battle. He was fun to work with. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. His “music,” who he was, will be missed.
Ian Trevethan says
Michael was a great friend and mentor. I was fortunate to have worked with him as a student security officer at the Museum of the Rockies. He was genuine in his love for life and especially in his love of music. I learned a great deal from him. After I graduated and moved on to graduate school in Kansas, I’d often find myself reflecting upon the conversations he and I would have. I miss his wisdom and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to have known him. He is missed.
Molly Ward says
I was sad to see the news that Michael has passed. I worked with him at the Museum of the Rockies. I fondly remember the two of us quietly trailing Alison Krauss around the building until he finally approached her and we got to meet her. He was a pleasure to work with and a truly kind and beautiful human being. I’m glad I got to spend the time I did with him.
Michael Holland says
I also worked with Michael at the Museum of the Rockies. The nature of his job took him everywhere throughout the place, and I always noticed that every encounter with all of us came with a friendly greeting. He would ask how I was doing and genuinely be interested in the answer. Early in his battle with cancer, he once told me that he felt like every day was a gift, and that he planned to spend as many of them as he could with those that he loved. I thought about that, and it occurred to me that what he said should apply to me as well, even without an imminent threat of severe illness. A good man who will be missed. RIP, Michael.
Melisa Palmer says
I worked with Michael at the Museum of the Rockies and always enjoyed talking with him and learning from him. The museum was safer, and a lot more fun, with him there. He is a wonderful man who will be missed.
Christine Stoppa says
I also worked with Michael at MOR – he watched out for us “kids” in the store & was always there immediately if we needed help. He was a wonderful man, a cool dude, and one of those people I will always remember – so thankful for that.
Dee Ellen Toy says
My heart goes out to my sister Diann and niece Amanda,nephew John and great nephew John. I knew Mike my whole life, he was a wonderful man and good friend. Mike I will miss you. RIP Mike.
Emily Torstveit Ngara says
I worked with Michael at MOR. He was such a funny, wise, and kind man. It was always fun to talk with him about his music and his grandson. I will always remember him fondly. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.