Michael “Mike” Quakenbush May died peacefully on March 18, 2019, on his beloved Antlers Ranch outside of Meeteetse, surrounded by his family.
Mike was born on Sept. 16, 1937, in Billings to Ernest R. May, Jr. and Donna Burden May. Not long after birth, he returned home to the Antlers Ranch founded by his great-grandfather, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 15. He joined older brother Ernest ‘Pete’ May III and, not long after, a younger brother, William F. May, completed the trio.
Mike’s early years on the ranch were, perhaps unknowingly, spent in preparation for what would become his life-long career and passion. Prior to high school, he was educated at the one-room log schoolhouse just down the road from his house and spent much of his childhood outdoors among the mountains, meadows, rivers, and animals to which he would devote his life.
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In an effort to polish the rough edges of the young, adolescent rancher, Mike was sent to the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., where he played on the football team and spent the rest of his time defying authority. He returned to Wyoming and graduated from Cody High School before enrolling at the University of Wyoming.
In 1959, he married Helen Stubbs of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, England, and had three children, Michael Q. “Micky,” Rebecca Lee and Richard Henry “Sam” May. That marriage ended in 1981.
In 1965, as had his father and his father’s father, Mike took control of the Antlers Ranch. In addition to responsibilities as a director on the Cody Hospital Board, Mike worked tirelessly to overcome the inherent challenges associated with working the obstinate Wyoming land. For three decades he successfully maintained the ranch’s tradition as a major cattle operation in the area. Then, in 1995, after noting the difficulties associated with cattle, and much to the consternation of other residents of the valley, Mike evaluated a new, yet perhaps more authentic, business concept.
With son Sam at his side, in what would be an affront to most Wyoming-raised and hardened ranchers, Mike initiated an exchange of cattle for bison. Mike quickly discovered that forming a bond with his bison was the most effective way of managing the animals. He was often found driving through the fields, at times just watching his buffalo. Sooner or later, they would visit and encircle him; he always commented he never saw a threat in their eyes.
Mike married the love of his life Lori Kalchik, in 1998, and the two enjoyed a relationship devoted to each other and their families. An adventurous team, the two navigated the country, visiting family and friends and often finding themselves spending part of their summer on Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan. They created endless memories for their grandchildren during the holidays and were gracious hosts to those who visited the ranch over the years.
Throughout his life, Mike was always a voracious reader. You could often find him immersed in some tome on economics, industry, history, or politics. Never one to shy away from providing his opinion, he would employ his characteristic “the fact of the matter is” to start most thoughts. While he was a great debater, he was also a keen listener, genuinely interested in the reflections and opinions of others.
A Denver Broncos fan, Mike enjoyed spending his Sundays watching the games and often reminisced of times gone by when he used to make the trip down to Denver with the likes of Al Simpson and other friends in tow. All huddled together in one car, the crew would drive to Laramie to make the University of Wyoming game on Saturday, head farther south to Denver for the Broncos game on Sunday, and race back through the night in time for work on Monday.
Mike was a lifelong learner and was able to educate himself in just about any discipline. In his adult years, he worked toward his pilot’s license and, after converting a hilltop on the ranch to a makeshift airport and runway, enjoyed many memories flying his Super Cub.
His love of flying and travel were intertwined, and Mike experienced many great adventures throughout South America, especially in his second-home of Chile, and diving throughout the Pacific in Micronesia. He also enjoyed exploring all that his beloved United States had to offer, taking long drives through the open plains and mountains, carriage rides from his friend Buck with views of Lake Huron, time spent visiting grandchildren in Texas and New England, and most of all, exploring the endless wonder in Wyoming’s backyard.
He enjoyed time spent with his children and always, with the help of wife Lori, was up to date with the lives of all his grandchildren. He instilled in his family a sense of duty to the land and was an ardent conservationist. He was keen to coach younger family members in the importance of hard work and goal-setting and simply wanted the best for his family.
Mike was anything but timid. To those who knew him in his younger years, he was tough, independent, and often omnipotent in decision-making. Yet it was his nerve and work ethic, combined with an unparalleled sense of humor that caused those around him to love and respect the man he was. He had a fierce intellect and confidence and led his family with dignity and pride. He loved the ranch and the profession of ranching and always mentioned that when you love what you do, not a day in your life will feel like work.
Those who knew Mike will miss his laugh, smile, humor and company. He set an example as a remarkable husband, brother, father, grandfather and leader for those around him. He was an honorable steward of the land and courageously worked to pass his love and life’s work to his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest R. and Donna B. May, brothers Pete and Billy May, and son Tom Kalchik.
As Mike wished, no memorial is planned, and cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please donate a book to a good cause or pick up a book yourself, take some time to read, and think of Mike.
Mike was born on Sept. 16, 1937, in Billings to Ernest R. May, Jr. and Donna Burden May. Not long after birth, he returned home to the Antlers Ranch founded by his great-grandfather, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 15. He joined older brother Ernest ‘Pete’ May III and, not long after, a younger brother, William F. May, completed the trio.
Mike’s early years on the ranch were, perhaps unknowingly, spent in preparation for what would become his life-long career and passion. Prior to high school, he was educated at the one-room log schoolhouse just down the road from his house and spent much of his childhood outdoors among the mountains, meadows, rivers, and animals to which he would devote his life.
advertisement
In an effort to polish the rough edges of the young, adolescent rancher, Mike was sent to the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., where he played on the football team and spent the rest of his time defying authority. He returned to Wyoming and graduated from Cody High School before enrolling at the University of Wyoming.
In 1959, he married Helen Stubbs of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, England, and had three children, Michael Q. “Micky,” Rebecca Lee and Richard Henry “Sam” May. That marriage ended in 1981.
In 1965, as had his father and his father’s father, Mike took control of the Antlers Ranch. In addition to responsibilities as a director on the Cody Hospital Board, Mike worked tirelessly to overcome the inherent challenges associated with working the obstinate Wyoming land. For three decades he successfully maintained the ranch’s tradition as a major cattle operation in the area. Then, in 1995, after noting the difficulties associated with cattle, and much to the consternation of other residents of the valley, Mike evaluated a new, yet perhaps more authentic, business concept.
With son Sam at his side, in what would be an affront to most Wyoming-raised and hardened ranchers, Mike initiated an exchange of cattle for bison. Mike quickly discovered that forming a bond with his bison was the most effective way of managing the animals. He was often found driving through the fields, at times just watching his buffalo. Sooner or later, they would visit and encircle him; he always commented he never saw a threat in their eyes.
Mike married the love of his life Lori Kalchik, in 1998, and the two enjoyed a relationship devoted to each other and their families. An adventurous team, the two navigated the country, visiting family and friends and often finding themselves spending part of their summer on Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan. They created endless memories for their grandchildren during the holidays and were gracious hosts to those who visited the ranch over the years.
Throughout his life, Mike was always a voracious reader. You could often find him immersed in some tome on economics, industry, history, or politics. Never one to shy away from providing his opinion, he would employ his characteristic “the fact of the matter is” to start most thoughts. While he was a great debater, he was also a keen listener, genuinely interested in the reflections and opinions of others.
A Denver Broncos fan, Mike enjoyed spending his Sundays watching the games and often reminisced of times gone by when he used to make the trip down to Denver with the likes of Al Simpson and other friends in tow. All huddled together in one car, the crew would drive to Laramie to make the University of Wyoming game on Saturday, head farther south to Denver for the Broncos game on Sunday, and race back through the night in time for work on Monday.
Mike was a lifelong learner and was able to educate himself in just about any discipline. In his adult years, he worked toward his pilot’s license and, after converting a hilltop on the ranch to a makeshift airport and runway, enjoyed many memories flying his Super Cub.
His love of flying and travel were intertwined, and Mike experienced many great adventures throughout South America, especially in his second-home of Chile, and diving throughout the Pacific in Micronesia. He also enjoyed exploring all that his beloved United States had to offer, taking long drives through the open plains and mountains, carriage rides from his friend Buck with views of Lake Huron, time spent visiting grandchildren in Texas and New England, and most of all, exploring the endless wonder in Wyoming’s backyard.
He enjoyed time spent with his children and always, with the help of wife Lori, was up to date with the lives of all his grandchildren. He instilled in his family a sense of duty to the land and was an ardent conservationist. He was keen to coach younger family members in the importance of hard work and goal-setting and simply wanted the best for his family.
Mike was anything but timid. To those who knew him in his younger years, he was tough, independent, and often omnipotent in decision-making. Yet it was his nerve and work ethic, combined with an unparalleled sense of humor that caused those around him to love and respect the man he was. He had a fierce intellect and confidence and led his family with dignity and pride. He loved the ranch and the profession of ranching and always mentioned that when you love what you do, not a day in your life will feel like work.
Those who knew Mike will miss his laugh, smile, humor and company. He set an example as a remarkable husband, brother, father, grandfather and leader for those around him. He was an honorable steward of the land and courageously worked to pass his love and life’s work to his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest R. and Donna B. May, brothers Pete and Billy May, and son Tom Kalchik.
As Mike wished, no memorial is planned, and cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please donate a book to a good cause or pick up a book yourself, take some time to read, and think of Mike.
Michael “Mike” Quakenbush May died peacefully on March 18, 2019, on his beloved Antlers Ranch outside of Meeteetse, surrounded by his family.
Mike was born on Sept. 16, 1937, in Billings to Ernest R. May, Jr. and Donna Burden May. Not long after birth, he returned home to the Antlers Ranch founded by his great-grandfather, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 15. He joined older brother Ernest ‘Pete’ May III and, not long after, a younger brother, William F. May, completed the trio.
Mike’s early years on the ranch were, perhaps unknowingly, spent in preparation for what would become his life-long career and passion. Prior to high school, he was educated at the one-room log schoolhouse just down the road from his house and spent much of his childhood outdoors among the mountains, meadows, rivers, and animals to which he would devote his life.
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In an effort to polish the rough edges of the young, adolescent rancher, Mike was sent to the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., where he played on the football team and spent the rest of his time defying authority. He returned to Wyoming and graduated from Cody High School before enrolling at the University of Wyoming.
In 1959, he married Helen Stubbs of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, England, and had three children, Michael Q. “Micky,” Rebecca Lee and Richard Henry “Sam” May. That marriage ended in 1981.
In 1965, as had his father and his father’s father, Mike took control of the Antlers Ranch. In addition to responsibilities as a director on the Cody Hospital Board, Mike worked tirelessly to overcome the inherent challenges associated with working the obstinate Wyoming land. For three decades he successfully maintained the ranch’s tradition as a major cattle operation in the area. Then, in 1995, after noting the difficulties associated with cattle, and much to the consternation of other residents of the valley, Mike evaluated a new, yet perhaps more authentic, business concept.
With son Sam at his side, in what would be an affront to most Wyoming-raised and hardened ranchers, Mike initiated an exchange of cattle for bison. Mike quickly discovered that forming a bond with his bison was the most effective way of managing the animals. He was often found driving through the fields, at times just watching his buffalo. Sooner or later, they would visit and encircle him; he always commented he never saw a threat in their eyes.
Mike married the love of his life Lori Kalchik, in 1998, and the two enjoyed a relationship devoted to each other and their families. An adventurous team, the two navigated the country, visiting family and friends and often finding themselves spending part of their summer on Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan. They created endless memories for their grandchildren during the holidays and were gracious hosts to those who visited the ranch over the years.
Throughout his life, Mike was always a voracious reader. You could often find him immersed in some tome on economics, industry, history, or politics. Never one to shy away from providing his opinion, he would employ his characteristic “the fact of the matter is” to start most thoughts. While he was a great debater, he was also a keen listener, genuinely interested in the reflections and opinions of others.
A Denver Broncos fan, Mike enjoyed spending his Sundays watching the games and often reminisced of times gone by when he used to make the trip down to Denver with the likes of Al Simpson and other friends in tow. All huddled together in one car, the crew would drive to Laramie to make the University of Wyoming game on Saturday, head farther south to Denver for the Broncos game on Sunday, and race back through the night in time for work on Monday.
Mike was a lifelong learner and was able to educate himself in just about any discipline. In his adult years, he worked toward his pilot’s license and, after converting a hilltop on the ranch to a makeshift airport and runway, enjoyed many memories flying his Super Cub.
His love of flying and travel were intertwined, and Mike experienced many great adventures throughout South America, especially in his second-home of Chile, and diving throughout the Pacific in Micronesia. He also enjoyed exploring all that his beloved United States had to offer, taking long drives through the open plains and mountains, carriage rides from his friend Buck with views of Lake Huron, time spent visiting grandchildren in Texas and New England, and most of all, exploring the endless wonder in Wyoming’s backyard.
He enjoyed time spent with his children and always, with the help of wife Lori, was up to date with the lives of all his grandchildren. He instilled in his family a sense of duty to the land and was an ardent conservationist. He was keen to coach younger family members in the importance of hard work and goal-setting and simply wanted the best for his family.
Mike was anything but timid. To those who knew him in his younger years, he was tough, independent, and often omnipotent in decision-making. Yet it was his nerve and work ethic, combined with an unparalleled sense of humor that caused those around him to love and respect the man he was. He had a fierce intellect and confidence and led his family with dignity and pride. He loved the ranch and the profession of ranching and always mentioned that when you love what you do, not a day in your life will feel like work.
Those who knew Mike will miss his laugh, smile, humor and company. He set an example as a remarkable husband, brother, father, grandfather and leader for those around him. He was an honorable steward of the land and courageously worked to pass his love and life’s work to his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest R. and Donna B. May, brothers Pete and Billy May, and son Tom Kalchik.
As Mike wished, no memorial is planned, and cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please donate a book to a good cause or pick up a book yourself, take some time to read, and think of Mike.
Mike was born on Sept. 16, 1937, in Billings to Ernest R. May, Jr. and Donna Burden May. Not long after birth, he returned home to the Antlers Ranch founded by his great-grandfather, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 15. He joined older brother Ernest ‘Pete’ May III and, not long after, a younger brother, William F. May, completed the trio.
Mike’s early years on the ranch were, perhaps unknowingly, spent in preparation for what would become his life-long career and passion. Prior to high school, he was educated at the one-room log schoolhouse just down the road from his house and spent much of his childhood outdoors among the mountains, meadows, rivers, and animals to which he would devote his life.
advertisement
In an effort to polish the rough edges of the young, adolescent rancher, Mike was sent to the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., where he played on the football team and spent the rest of his time defying authority. He returned to Wyoming and graduated from Cody High School before enrolling at the University of Wyoming.
In 1959, he married Helen Stubbs of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, England, and had three children, Michael Q. “Micky,” Rebecca Lee and Richard Henry “Sam” May. That marriage ended in 1981.
In 1965, as had his father and his father’s father, Mike took control of the Antlers Ranch. In addition to responsibilities as a director on the Cody Hospital Board, Mike worked tirelessly to overcome the inherent challenges associated with working the obstinate Wyoming land. For three decades he successfully maintained the ranch’s tradition as a major cattle operation in the area. Then, in 1995, after noting the difficulties associated with cattle, and much to the consternation of other residents of the valley, Mike evaluated a new, yet perhaps more authentic, business concept.
With son Sam at his side, in what would be an affront to most Wyoming-raised and hardened ranchers, Mike initiated an exchange of cattle for bison. Mike quickly discovered that forming a bond with his bison was the most effective way of managing the animals. He was often found driving through the fields, at times just watching his buffalo. Sooner or later, they would visit and encircle him; he always commented he never saw a threat in their eyes.
Mike married the love of his life Lori Kalchik, in 1998, and the two enjoyed a relationship devoted to each other and their families. An adventurous team, the two navigated the country, visiting family and friends and often finding themselves spending part of their summer on Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan. They created endless memories for their grandchildren during the holidays and were gracious hosts to those who visited the ranch over the years.
Throughout his life, Mike was always a voracious reader. You could often find him immersed in some tome on economics, industry, history, or politics. Never one to shy away from providing his opinion, he would employ his characteristic “the fact of the matter is” to start most thoughts. While he was a great debater, he was also a keen listener, genuinely interested in the reflections and opinions of others.
A Denver Broncos fan, Mike enjoyed spending his Sundays watching the games and often reminisced of times gone by when he used to make the trip down to Denver with the likes of Al Simpson and other friends in tow. All huddled together in one car, the crew would drive to Laramie to make the University of Wyoming game on Saturday, head farther south to Denver for the Broncos game on Sunday, and race back through the night in time for work on Monday.
Mike was a lifelong learner and was able to educate himself in just about any discipline. In his adult years, he worked toward his pilot’s license and, after converting a hilltop on the ranch to a makeshift airport and runway, enjoyed many memories flying his Super Cub.
His love of flying and travel were intertwined, and Mike experienced many great adventures throughout South America, especially in his second-home of Chile, and diving throughout the Pacific in Micronesia. He also enjoyed exploring all that his beloved United States had to offer, taking long drives through the open plains and mountains, carriage rides from his friend Buck with views of Lake Huron, time spent visiting grandchildren in Texas and New England, and most of all, exploring the endless wonder in Wyoming’s backyard.
He enjoyed time spent with his children and always, with the help of wife Lori, was up to date with the lives of all his grandchildren. He instilled in his family a sense of duty to the land and was an ardent conservationist. He was keen to coach younger family members in the importance of hard work and goal-setting and simply wanted the best for his family.
Mike was anything but timid. To those who knew him in his younger years, he was tough, independent, and often omnipotent in decision-making. Yet it was his nerve and work ethic, combined with an unparalleled sense of humor that caused those around him to love and respect the man he was. He had a fierce intellect and confidence and led his family with dignity and pride. He loved the ranch and the profession of ranching and always mentioned that when you love what you do, not a day in your life will feel like work.
Those who knew Mike will miss his laugh, smile, humor and company. He set an example as a remarkable husband, brother, father, grandfather and leader for those around him. He was an honorable steward of the land and courageously worked to pass his love and life’s work to his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest R. and Donna B. May, brothers Pete and Billy May, and son Tom Kalchik.
As Mike wished, no memorial is planned, and cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please donate a book to a good cause or pick up a book yourself, take some time to read, and think of Mike.
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