Michael James Garland Jr.

Michael James Garland Jr., lovingly known as Mike, was born on August 30, 1959, in El Paso, Texas. After a life marked by devotion to family, faith, education, and service, Mike passed from this life surrounded by the love of those he cherished. He had called Colorado Springs home since 1997.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Kelly Ann (Clark) Garland; his sons, Lawrence "Larry" James Garland and his wife Colleen, and Christopher Jacob “C.J.” Garland and his wife Faran; his mother, Mildred Elaine Garland; his sisters, Barbara Meaders and Vivian Walker; his brothers-in-law Sandy Meaders, Edwin Slack and sisters-in-law Susan Slack and Junie Clark and many others. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael James Garland Sr., brothers-in-law Douglas Clark, Gary Clark, John Walker and his parents-in-law, Lawrence and Evelyn Clark.

Mike's life was characterized by a commitment to learning and service. He served nearly ten years in the United States Army, working with the Pershing missile system before receiving an honorable discharge in 1986. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for engineering, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. He became a Professional Engineer early in his career and never stopped learning. Later, after moving to Colorado Springs, he earned a Master's of Science in Electrical Engineering. Education was not merely a personal pursuit; Mike excelled in helping others learn, teaching courses at Oklahoma City Community College and leading educational committees within professional organizations throughout his career.

For nearly thirty years, Mike served Mountain View Electric Association in a variety of engineering and leadership roles, most recently as a Special Projects Engineer. Throughout those decades, he worked alongside colleagues he deeply respected and contributed to projects that helped strengthen the communities served by the cooperative.

Faith was central to Mike's life. He faithfully served in numerous callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Stake Financial Clerk, Scoutmaster, counselor in the bishopric, and many others. Wherever he was asked to serve, he brought dedication, reliability, and genuine concern for those around him.

Outside of work and church, Mike was a lifelong wargamer. At the age of twelve, he spent birthday money on his first wargame, beginning a hobby that would remain a source of joy and friendship for the rest of his life. He shared that passion with childhood friends, his father-in-law Larry, and members of his family. He served in leadership roles with the Colorado Springs Gamers Association and spent years organizing miniature gaming events for the Denver Gamers Association's semiannual conventions, motivated simply by a desire to create memorable experiences for fellow enthusiasts.

Those who knew Mike understood that his greatest gift was his steadfast devotion to others. Whether serving his church, supporting his family, helping a colleague, mentoring a student, or organizing a game for friends, he approached every responsibility with determination and care. Mike possessed an engineer's mind, and many joked that he saw spreadsheets and equations in everything. Yet behind every calculation was something deeper: a desire to make things work for people. He saw problems as opportunities to serve, systems as ways to support others, and knowledge as a tool for lifting those around him.Mike faced his battle with cancer much as he approached every challenge in life: with faith, perseverance, and concern for others. Throughout his illness, he remained devoted to his family and grateful for the love and support of friends, colleagues, and caregivers. He left us peacefully on June 8, 2026.

Mike's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the communities he served, the students and colleagues he taught, the friends he encouraged, and the countless lives made better through his quiet, faithful, and unwavering devotion.

Visitation for Mike will take place beginning at 10:00am on Friday, July 10th 2026 at:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

5485 Hopalong Trail, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

A celebration of life will begin at 11:00am in the chapel.

A brief committal ceremony with military honors will take place at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at 1:00pm

10545 Drennan Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80925