Michael Sutherland Sturges

Obituary Dr. Michael Sutherland Sturges

May 8, 1937 – July 9, 2025

Dr. Michael Sutherland Sturges, U.S. Navy veteran, psychiatrist, educator,

and devoted public servant, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the age of 88 at The Denver Hospice Inpatient Care Center.

Born on May 8, 1937, Michael lived a life marked by service, curiosity, and compassion. A proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1959, he served with honor as a Naval Officer before pursuing a career in medicine. His time in the Navy instilled in him a deep and enduring sense of commitment to country and community that guided his life’s work. He believed deeply in serving the greater good, a value he passed on to his children.

After his military service, Michael earned his M.D. from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in 1969 and completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Colorado. He went on to specialize in addiction psychiatry, combining his medical expertise with his lifelong dedication to helping his patients overcome trauma and provide them with compassionate support along their journey to recovery.

Throughout his career, Michael held leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, including Medical Director positions at Metropolitan Life and United Airlines. Later, he devoted over a decade to serving veterans at the VA Medical Center in Denver—work that was especially meaningful to him.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Michael was a dedicated faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine for more than 40 years, serving as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. In 2009, he was honored with the Scully Award for excellence in teaching.

Michael’s personal passions included Ashtanga yoga, which he practiced for more than 30 years, and playing squash—a sport he first took up at the Naval Academy and continued to enjoy well into his later years. Michael had an eclectic spirit, a keen appreciation of art and history, and his intellect and thoughtfulness was evident in every conversation.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lin, and his six children: Chris Sturgis, Dan Sturges, Molly Sturges, Joe Sturges, Emily Sturges, and Andrew Sturges. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucie Keating and Suzanne Lee. He will be remembered for his insatiable curiosity, sharp intellect, sparkling eyes, generosity of spirit, loyalty to his friends, and profound love for his family.

Michael’s students, colleagues, patients, and loved ones will miss him dearly. Michael’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—with compassion, wisdom, a good sense of humor and a commitment to excellence.

A private family memorial will be held Friday, September 26, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations supporting veterans’ mental health.