Michael Plourde

Funeral services for Michael Plourde, 69-year-old Buffalo man who passed away suddenly Tuesday at his home in Buffalo, will be held Saturday, May 30^th at 2:00 from the Harness Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo with Pastor Paul Gilbert officiating. Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services to immediately follow the funeral. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Ava Community Art Center at 509 W. 2^nd Street in Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.

Michael Noel Plourde was born on November 8, 1956, in Rifle, Colorado to William and June Plourde.  He grew up and went to school in Lakewood, Colorado and graduated from Green Mountain High School with the class of 1975.  After high school he attended The University Northern Colorado where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education.

On August 2^nd, 1980, Michael married Katherin Youngquist in Littleton Colorado, and they moved to Gillette, Wyoming to begin his career as a fine arts educator. He began his teaching career by traveling to rural schools across Campbell Country introducing young minds to be creative and curious through the exploration of the arts.  In 1987, he began his Secondary Teaching Career at Sage Valley Jr. High School in Gillette.  In 1998, Michael moved to Campbell County High School where he began teaching his true passion, Ceramics Fine Arts.  Michael’s teaching career spanned 33 years, working with his peers to develop the most revered and respected fine art education programs in Wyoming, exposing students to real artists, opportunities in further education, and setting the path for many to follow a lifelong passion in the arts.

In 2012, Michael retired from education and continued his long passion in ceramic arts, often creating dozens of art ceramic art pieces per year. He traveled the state of Wyoming attending artist shows and receptions, often with his artwork in the showing.  Michael remained active in the student art community making yearly visits to the Wyoming State Art Symposium and continuing to mentor young artists and teachers.

Throughout his life, Michael was a passionate cyclist, telemark skier, and backpacker.  For years Michael found freedom and community through cycling, whether through the mountain passes of Colorado, the gravel backroads of Johnson County, or the single-track mountain bike trails between.  He hiked and traveled the Cloud Peak Wilderness.  Within its peace and solitude, he would admire and photograph the backcountry and fly fish the mountain lakes.  On the cold winter days, he could be found skiing, traversing the snow-covered mountain roads, or skiing the headwalls of local ski areas, always with a smile and a friendly conversation on the chairlift.

Through all his passions, Michael was a lifelong learner, mentor, and compassionate friend to many. He is survived by his wife Katherin Plourde of Buffalo, and one son Paul Plourde of Sheridan.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.