Michael Marion “Big Mike” Deschamps, 48 years old. Mike passed away at home of natural causes surrounded by loved ones.
Mike was born on September 29, 1964 in Lakeport, California to Bill Deschamps and Sharon Stockwell. He took his family to Helena, Montana in November of 1996 to work at J and D Truck Repair. For those of you who want to be politically correct, he was an automotive technician; For those of you who knew Mike, he was a third generation mechanic. Mike also worked at Les Schwab and was currently working at Robert Allen Nissan when he passed away. Mike loved the outdoors, especially when it came to fishing, hunting, shooting, camping and drinking his “apple juice”. Mike had a nickname for everyone he met and his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents and his Aunt and Uncle. He is survived by his loving wife, Christi Deschamps. His daughter Shaylyn Miller and husband Cameron Miller; son Richard Deschamps. Father Bill Deschamps and Gaye of Lakeport, CA; stepfather Lyle Stockwell of Lakeport, CA; sister Barbi Jolliffe and Dave of Huntington Beach, CA; sister Sonia Zieske and Marc of Mount Holly, NC; sister in heart Jolene Goulart and Dave Korang of Deer Lodge. And his “K-mart, blue-light special” granddaughter Naomi Lenora Miller. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins and friends.
Mike was a very generous and giving man and he will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, November 2, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service celebrating Big Mike’s life will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A coffee and cookie reception will follow the funeral service in the social hall at the funeral home. To help with funeral expenses, the family has a memorial account setup in Big Mike’s name at Helena Community Credit union, 915 Kessler St, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday November 2, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Saturday November 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday November 2, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Saturday November 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bill and Janel Walks says
We are very sad to hear about Mike, Christi we are here if you need anything and our prayers are with you and your family.
Billie Perry & Family says
Christi, Mike was a good man and will be greatly missed by many! You and your family are in my family’s thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you!
Josh & Florence Liston says
Christi, your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed getting to know Mike during Richards small fry football years. Please let us know if you need anything. Mike will be greatly missed!
Don and Judy Skidmore says
Mike was an exceptional man and a good friend. He helped me alot when we worked together.He will be sorely missed.
Broussard Family says
We are so sorry about Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Beth Beveridge says
Christi and family,
No words can express the depth of my sorrow for you. I pray that you find comfort in the memories you’ve stored up and from the love of family and friends. Let me know if I can do anything.
Tyler and April Bogy and Family says
To Deschamps Family,
Mike was a wonderful and fun guy and we will miss him greatly. He was always there to teach my kids new things and of course, tease them. My daughter was recently known as “green hair” and we have no idea why but I can’t wait to join him in Heaven to find out! He will always have a special place in our hearts. If you need anything at all, please let us know and we will be there. Prayers for everyone during this difficult time. May God hold each of you close to his heart and comfort you.
Shila & Frank Peters says
Christi & family, We all are sending our deepest sympathy, caring thoughts & prayers your way. I will alway cherish my memories of our gentle giant. His infectious laugh still echoes at J&D. He might have left our building but was comforting to know he was just across the street. Rest in peace my dear friend. You were one of a kind!!! ‘Stretch’ 🙂
Jes and Jolene Peavey says
Christi and family, Jes, Austin, Aurora and myself are saddened to hear of the loss of “Big Mike”. What a great family guy (and Santa)! If you need anything from us, you know where to find us. We are always here for you and your family.
Todd Harris says
Christi, Mike will be deeply missed. He not only was one of the truly nicest people I have ever been around ,but he brought joy to everyone he touched. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family. Rest in peace my friend.
Reid Garrett says
Mike and his great attitude will be sorely missed. I never saw Mike in a bad mood, which is truly amazing, and great credit to Mike and his family. I pray that the Lord’s blessings will be upon your family at this time of loss. Heaven got happier and we got sadder with the passing of Big Mike, but we are all better people for knowing him!
Wade & Cindi Lease says
You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was a great friend and a wonderful person, he touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
Angela Steffens says
Mikey I’m gonna miss hearing you say “good mornin ang” Your a good man Mike I will miss you every day. I will even miss coming around the corner in the shop to you bent over a car with your crack looking me right in the face…I chuckled every time…R.I.P big guy,,,,love u
Kevin Moynahan says
Mike we grew up togather, you were 2 months older then me. You were a great friend, wow I cannot believe you are gone. God Speed Mike, I am sure I will see you again
Colleen Phillips says
Christi and family; Tim and I are so sorry for your loss. Words cannot begin to offer comfort at such a time as this but please know that we are thinking of you and praying for God’s hedge of protection and comfort for you during this very difficult time.
Denise Johnson says
I cannot believe he is gone. He was a true friend and one of the most genuine people I ever knew. If Mike said it, he meant it. The sound of his laugh was infectious and he always had a way of making everyone he cared about feel special. My condolences to his family and friends. Mike was one of a kind and I will never forget him.
randy,deb krista says
To the whole family our thoughts are with you all.the good ones always leave us sooner then they should.we have alot of great memories.we are the lucky ones to have mike in our life.love you all.
Rick Norine says
Christi and family,
I am so sorry about your loss. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you Mike, and God bless the Deschamps Family in their time of grief.
Tracy Bradshaw-Sharp says
To one of the best friends a girl could ever have.. I love you Mike like my brother and I just know you’ll always be in my thoughts with lots of laughter and jokes and happiness.. Rest in piece my friend
Tracy bradshaw( buttshaw)
John Lynch says
Christi and family,
Mike was a true and loyal friend. He was the most giving and loving guy and would do anything to help others. His optimistic spirit and generous smile warmed everyone around him. Mike and I often shared treats and I will truly cherish those memories. Mike had a special gift to be able to lift me up whenever I was down. The last few days have been especially difficult not seeing my buddy Mike. He will be missed more than words can express. He made a huge impact on my life and others. Our thoughts go out to you all.
Molly Mills says
I had the privilege to work with Mike and the guys for two summers. He somehow found a way to make it “pick on Molly day” every day. Pulling pranks, laughing, joking around— always a smile on his face! He made work fun, and I always came to work wondering what kind of prank he had up his sleeve for the day. I’ll miss you Mike!
Brenton Family says
The shock is still unbelievable. Baby cousin Mikey, there are so many memories. We were fortunate young kids, that played hard and were really loved. May God watch over your family. Find peace is the arms of your Mom, Ammy, and Auntie Di. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Love, Wes, Deena, Ashley and Adam Brenton
Todd and Sheri Sullivan says
Our Entire Crew at Auto Concepts thought the World of Big Mike! Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family! He will never be forgotten!
Auto Concepts
Clancy & Sue Sizemore & Family says
Christi and Family,
We are so saddened with Big Mikes passing, words will never be able to explain the HUGE VOID that is left in our hearts. He had such a huge heart and an even bigger smile, No matter what kind of day you were having Big Mike ALWAYS made it better. Mike was not only a truly great friend, he was an 2nd Father to our kids, a second Grandfather to our grandchildren and a brother to us! There will never be a birthday, holiday, camping or fishing trip, bonn fire or mechanical project that will go on without remembering Big Mike! We will always remember and love him as we will always love you all. I know that you know we are here for you 24×7 – Bear Hugs to all of you! Together and with the Grace of God we will get through this and make Mike proud.
Love you all, Clancy, Sue, Ty, James , Jenny and Lil Man Mason Sizemore
Kirk, Brittney, Josey and Natalee Tiensvold
PS – We need to plant some blue hair grass – I know it would make him laugh again!
Clancy & Sue Sizemore & Family says
Dear Mike,
You were always full of surprises however, this was your biggest surprise of all! Our hearts ache for your companionship as we always had soooo much fun! I am glad you are in a better place even though you left us behind for a little while. We will always be here to help Christi, Richard and Shay as well as your dad to the best of our ability, I know that you already knew that.
When you are wondering around Heaven, you will probably find my dad, grandfather and uncle either at the race track or golfing – My dad has the same twinkle in his eye that you have so he won’t be hard to find.
We will see each other again and I will be practicing on remembering jokes and their punch lines!
Happy thoughts of you, till we meet again – Sue Sizemore
Nancy Truex says
To the Deschamps Family, We remember Michael from the times we visited his parents Bill and Gaye in Lakeport CA.
A few years ago he visited with us at Chico and we enjoyed seeing him again and his family. Mike had grown to be a loving husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are will you all. Nancy and Rick Truex and family, Fairfield, CA
Dana,Kim, Ashley, Demetrius, and Kenzie says
Christi and family,
We all are heart saddened by the loss of Big Mike-Heavy D-Biggins and miss the antics and kidding with him. I missed having him at work for the past few years as he kept things more lighthearted and livable. We’ll never forget the hunting trip up rattlesnake with the snowball fight and Shaylyn ended up getting thrown in a drift. Sure wish life hadnt got in the way so we could more times like those.
We were very sad to hear about Mike. He was a great man – always had a smile and nice to be around. The first thing that I think about when I think of Mike is how much fun Kenzie had with him teasing him and him teasing her. She loved to go up and poke him and run away. They were just doing this recently at the Duck’s Unlimited. I believe they started throwing their food back and forth at each other and one time missed and smacked a lady close by instead 🙂 Kenzie had such a good time with your family when she stayed with you when I was out of town the one time. If you remember, she didnt want to come home with me. Ever since then she would get a big smile everytime she would see Mike and then proceed to tease him.
We also think of all of you every Halloween since the Halloween that we all had dinner and went trick-treating together. It was always good to see him. He will be missed.
We want to know if there is anything you need or that we can do for you – any of you.
Dana, Kim and kids
Louis Hill says
Mike we grew up together and havent been in touch since you left in the late ninties. But boy did we have fun in school. I don’t know the rest of the family but i send you my heartfelt condolences . I can tell by all of the comments by friends that Mikey was one HELL OF GUY AND FATHER I will cherish my memmories of Mike and wish your family well.
Louis & Cyndi Hill
Class of ’83&’85
Finley, Ca (Lake County, Ca)
Mark Langdorf says
If I only had one friend in this life, it would be Mike. Rest in Peace dear Mike.
Don, Kevin & Jaye Lange says
Christi — Jaye, Kevin & I are extremely saddened about the passing of Mike. Please keep your head up and looking forward because I know Mike would have wanted you to do this. You are in our payers. Please stay safe.
amber,vance,emileigh,marquis,stephen,bella says
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. Mike will always be in our hearts, and prayers. I remember every year at the fourth of July parties, he always had the most fun. I also remember when I broke my pinkey, and forever he called me nose picker. Those were the days. We hope that you and Richard will be okay, and if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. We loved Mike like famiy. Mike willl always be in our hearts. We hope for the best. 🙂
amber,vance,emileigh,marquis,stephen,bella says
christi i am so sorry for your loss. big mike was a friend,uncle,neighbor, protector and brother to all of us. we will miss him terribly. he was such a kind,caring gentle giant. bella went from the kid who would only sit by him in the car just to get to see the monster trucks to the kid he couldn’t get out of his lap. we love you all.
Love and prayers
vance, amber,marquis,emileigh,stephen and bella bade
Sue Dugan says
Christie and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Mike well, but the times I saw him, he always had a smile on his face and was joking around! I’ll be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith. RIP Mike.
Jim alakszay says
I grew up with guy and I will never for get that he was a great friend to have.I’m sorry for the familys big loss.I think he was needed on the other side that why he left us so soon.I’m sorry for the familys pain right now.( Upper Lake,CA)
Nan Collett Perry says
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up with Mike in Lakeport. He was a dear friend to my brother and my family. Sorry I didn’t get to see you over the years. Mike, you are in our thoughts. We love you. Nan
Patricia Benson says
Mike you will be so very missed! What great fun we had in our youth! I will never forget you friend.
Nicolle, Jax, Jacob, Jordan and Karson Seiller says
Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you.
Jessie says
I never thought I would find such an everyday topic so enntrallihg!
Jaclyn says
Keep it coming, writsre, this is good stuff.
Michael Collett says
R.I.P. Michael Deshamps. Thank you for all the memories, and crazy times. Love you my friend! Colleidiot! Bet you didn’t see that one coming Deshits