Michael “Mike” Wallace Counter, 71, was born in Butte, Montana on June 24, 1945, to Max and Ruth (Crowley) Counter.

He passed away on Nov. 8, 2016, at the Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, California.

He grew up in Butte attending Hawthorne, East Junior High and graduating from Butte High School in 1964. He then went to Montana State College for a year and then returned home to work with his father in the mines. Not liking mining his mother suggested he try for an apprenticeship with the company. After completing the apprenticeship he worked as an electrician both underground and also at the Berkeley Pit garage. Shortly after high school, he married Carol Susoreny of Butte. From this union they had two daughters, Tami and Traci. While in Butte he liked skiing, golf and rodeos. He also joined the Army Reserve and served 14 years.

With the closure of the Anaconda Mining Co., Mike found a job with Rio Tinto Minerals in Boron, California. After moving to California, he and Carol divorced but remained very close friends for the rest of his life. He then married Paula Root and gained three more children, Dana, Curtis, and Halee. Then Mike and Paula had a daughter, Whitney.

Mike spent most of his life as an electrician and retired as an electrical supervisor. In his spare time he enjoyed golf, reading Louis L’Amour books, fast cars like his Camaro, and PRCA Rodeos.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Ruth Counter and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Tammi Diaz (Sixto), Traci McLaughlin (Doug), Dana Richardson (Jayson), Halee Roberts, Curtis Roberts, and Whitney Hill (Josh); brother, Bob Counter (Marlene); sister, Judy Davidson (Jim); many grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his good friend, Carol McIntosh.

He will be sadly missed by all.