Michael Bond

Mike was born in Missoula, Mont., on Sept. 28, 1971, the son of William “Bill” Bond and Carol (Hanson) Troy. In 1972 Bill and Carol moved to Iron Mountain, where Bill went to work in the family-owned business, “Bond Decorating,” which was established by Mike’s great-grandfather. Mike was raised in Iron Mountain and was fortunate to grow up in a tight-knit Italian family.

A proud Yooper, Mike graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1990. While in high school, he played football and wrestled and was known to his friends and community as “Bondo,” “#73” and “The Avalanche.” Sports played an important role in his life, and Mike was very proud of being named the U.P. Michigan Athlete of the Year and Iron Mountain’s Lineman of the Year Award.

Mike earned a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where he played for the Titans as #73. While he was there — after a notable six years — he also earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.

After college Mike worked in construction for many years, from the high rises of Chicago to the forested terrain of western Montana. In 2009 he made the move back to Montana, where he was on the Bridge Division for Sletten Construction with projects that took him throughout the Big Sky State. He was a proud member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America.

Affectionately known in Montana as “Big Mike,” Mike was a loyal and true friend. He excelled at building relationships and cherished his friendships. Mike had a quick sense of humor, a kind heart and a boisterous laugh. He valued family, both his immediate and extended, and always made it a priority to be present, from game nights to weddings and holidays.

While his life was shorter than we would have liked, he filled it with work, play, road trips and more. Mike enjoyed hunting, telling stories, eating good food (and had a sweet tooth that was unrivaled), going to the family cottage, enjoying the water and helping at his stepdad’s farm and ranch. When he wasn’t working his day job, he could be seen cruising the farm in a truck or side-by-side, feeding cows, helping with calving and soaking up life along the Rocky Mountain Front.

Mike lived his life to the fullest and had no regrets. A committed and proud Catholic, he was content with a life well lived and considered every day a blessing. He was at peace at the end of his earthly journey and looked forward to seeing Jesus again.

Mike is survived by his mother, Carol and stepfather, Pat Troy; his father, Bill and stepmother, Rita Bond; sister, Stayce and brother-in-law, Adam Rhodes; niece, Keona and nephew, Gavin; stepsiblings Patty Troy Howland, Tia Troy, Nick Troy, Angela Rhodes and David Peterson; as well as beloved stepnephews and step-nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Fr. Mark McQuesten will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will take place at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Gift of Life Housing in Great Falls, Montana.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Michael R. Bond online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.