Michael Anthony Barros of Helena, Montana passed away on September 17, 2025 in Helena at the age of 78.
Mike Barros was born September 18, 1946, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He was the son of Anthony Sousa Barros and Marie (Knight) Barros. He grew up in several states and local communities due to his father’s service in the United States Air Force, work with Pan American Airlines and the Burlington Northern Railroad. Mike lived in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts before entering the US Army in 1968.
Mike’s military service was during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Mike’s undergraduate degree was earned in Rhode Island at Brown University. He earned his Master’s at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
Throughout his life, Mike was active in politics and housing policy and solutions. He was twice the Republican candidate for Mayor of Minneapolis. He was active in community non-profit housing organizations in Minneapolis and Tulsa, Oklahoma. He worked in housing and community development for the municipalities of Savannah, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; Helena, Montana; Durham, North Carolina; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and an infant grandson. Mike is survived by his wife, Susan (Garwood) Barros of Jacksonville, Florida, his daughters Stephanie (Barros) Hartman (Brian) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Alethea (Barros) Schmidt of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cameron Barros of Helena, Montana; Jana Barros-Loyd (Rodney) of Jacksonville, Florida; Anthony Barros of Helena Montana; and nine grandchildren.
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Bob Montgomery says
I am Bob Montgomery from Moultrie, Ga. Mike’s dad & my dad worked at Spence Air Base . Was a pilot training facility for the USAF. Mike was a great friend during his time in Moultrie. Spence Field was a part of a government shutdown.
Many left Moultrie. Mike and I stayed in contact over the years. Took 40 years before I saw him again. It was like he never left.