Michael Anthony Lewis Waddell left us on March 25, 2026. This man was extremely conscientious and very able to do anything he turned his mind to. He was introduced to drumming in high school and his interest in music took off from there. He could not only play drums but was proficient on guitars of all kinds as well as vocally talented. He was able to use technology to enhance his music. While never having any formal training, he wrote and created the music and lyrics for his own songs. He sang and played in local bands, but his interest in hard rock pretty much isolated him from the country western music scene in Eastern Montana. Mike was looking forward to moving to Idaho with his much loved father and hoped to use his musical talents there. When he graduated from Sidney High School, Mike worked in the oil field as a roustabout and dispatcher. After his stint in the oilfield, Mike trained as a Transportation Security Agent for the Sidney Airport and more recently he worked for a specialized fire safety security company.

While working, he also became certified in cyber security and was beginning classes from MSU Bozeman to further his abilities in that area. Mike expected a lot of himself in those jobs and claimed he got his work ethic from his father. Unlike many people in an area that does not abound with youth friendly activities, Mike never turned to drugs or alcohol for entertainment and was the first to lecture younger kids on the stupidity of using. Mike loved family, kids and animals, and wished to someday have a family of his own. A loving person, Mike would often share money and food with friends who were going through a rough patch even if he had to sacrifice his own comfort in order to do so. In that sphere, he also helped his Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Dennis whenever he could over the years.

Mike developed a great sense of humor and said he was determined to get back to living by some body of water so he could “just chill” while wearing a Burger King crown. Pretty sure he is doing that right now. Mike never ended a phone conversation or said good bye without adding an “I love you,” so Mike we won’t say good bye today, we will just say we love you.