Robert "Mike" Branam

Robert "Mike" Branam

Mike was born in Rogue River, Oregon to John and Jeannie Branam on March 24, 1953. He and his

younger brother, Brad, grew up on West Evans Creek Road and went to Rogue River High School.

Mike wrestled in high school and was the varsity quarterback his senior year, 1971. Mike became

interested in motorcycle racing as a teenager, building a practice track with his father at their home.

He started racing in 1968 and became a local champion, known as "The Rogue River Kid". He got

his pro license in 1972 and had a very successful career.

Ultimately Mike turned his focus to home construction, graduating from the B. Allen Mackie School

of Log Building in Prince George, B.C. in 1985. He later formed his own company, Mountain Timber

Construction. Mike was a meticulous master craftsman, working on some of the most impressive

homes in Montana’s Flathead Valley. Mike married Elizabeth Nunley and was the proud father of

three wonderful kids, Linsey, Easton, and Ryland. He moved the family to northwest Montana early in

their lives and built the home where they grew up. He was an unconditionally loving father who

climbed mountains with his daughters and skied the backcountry with his son. He loved sharing the

wilderness with his children.

In 2007 Mike met the partner who would walk beside him for the rest of his life, Judy Davis Palmer.

They telemark skied and hiked and mountain biked and built together before and after he was

diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2009. Mike's earlier focus and determination was nothing

compared to the warrior attitude he brought to his fight with illness. For nine years he

underwent constant treatment with quiet but ferocious resolution, never giving up hope of beating the

disease. Mike was always willing to give encouragement and hope to the newly diagnosed and to

lend an ear or shoulder to anyone who needed it.

Mike was a bright spot in the lives of many people. He valued his many friendships and treasured his

children, including Judy's sons Nick and Jack, and his grandkids, Elam, Johnny, and Emerson. He and

Judy found comfort and happiness together despite all the trials that came with his health challenges.

Mike was surrounded with love when he recently lost his long battle with cancer on August 22, 2018.

He never lost his iron will to find joy despite his illness. He leaves behind a gaping hole in the lives

of all who loved him.

There will be an open house September 29th, 2018 at Mike and Judy's home at 12575 Kelley Drive,

Bigfork, Montana, from 10 to 4, to celebrate Mike's life. In lieu of cards or flowers please consider a

donation to Wings Regional Cancer Support (406 257-WING) or Flathead Cancer Aid Services

(406 212-7340). Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.