Michael O’Connor

June 8, 1942 - April 14, 2023

Michael “Mike” T. O’Connor passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on April 14, 2023, while wintering in Emory, Texas.

Born in Poplar, Mont., on June 8, 1942, Mike spent almost his entire life in the Wolf Point area. He was a 1960 graduate of Wolf Point High School. He grew up on the O’Connor Ranch on Tule Creek, northeast of town on Highway 13.

His engineering mind was always at work. This led him into his intense interest in fabricating and welding. He became the premier welder/ fabricator in the area and later in his career, focused on horse racing gates. An example of his work may be found at the Kentucky Derby Museum where a two-stall horse racing gate he refurbished with his son, Shane, is on display in Louisville, Ky.

In recent years, Mike had been spending his winters in Emory, Texas, with the love of his life, Sharon. His sons, Shane (Annie) and Rory (Kim) were by his side when he passed, as was Sharon.

Mike was proceeded in death by his father, Daniel O’Connor; mother, Mary Griswold O’Connor; and sister, Nina Rose.

He is survived by his partner in all things, Sharon Bravard; brother, Daniel “Pat” (Rita); sister, Donna Mann; his sons; his granddaughter, Barbara (Vine Grove, Ky.); and grandsons, Devon (Vine Grove, Ky.), Evan and Cian (Missoula, Mont.). He will be deeply missed by them all as well as the countless relatives and friends whose lives were touched by him and his helping hand.

Cremation has taken place.