Michael Allen Klein, affectionately known as “Igor” to many of his friends, passed away in his home in Gunnison on Dec. 25. Michael was born Jan. 7, 1948 in New York City. He graduated from St. Marks High School in Dallas, Texas. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and was a member of the Tau Delta Phi fraternity. After college he worked and lived in Oklahoma City, Minneapolis, and Seattle. He moved to Colorado 38 years ago. He spent all but just over a year of that time in Crested Butte. He lived briefly in Montrose and recently moved to Gunnison. Michael is survived by his sisters Anne Leiman and Phyllis Klatsky along with his nieces Julie Potts and Stephanie Klatsky, his nephews Jeff Leiman and Howard Klatsky as well as two great nieces, Madi Potts and Sadie Leiman and a great nephew Zachary Leiman. Michael was a master electrician and worked for himself. He acquired a top security clearance and worked for the Department of Defense, the State Department and the CIA. He traveled the world with his work for years. Michael was extremely intelligent, possessing a photographic memory. He was a history buff especially when it came to wars. He loved to tell a good joke (sometimes ones that were a little off colored). He signed his emails “FL” for Fearless Leader or “UC” for Uncle Conan-his nickname his nieces and nephews gave him. He was a wonderful brother, a favorite uncle, a devoted friend and a unique character. His sometime a gruff mannerisms were just a front for a sweet, kind and generous man. He cared deeply about his family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum on Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. Please bring a potluck dish and a story to tell. The family has asked that donations be made to either the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum or to PAWS.
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