Mike Ratcliff

He leaves behind a spouse Nancy Ratcliff; two children, Dustin Ratcliff (Laura Welp) and Nicole Ratcliff; and 3 grandchildren; Kamora Allen, Tyrese Vinson and Etta Welp. Mike has 3 remaining siblings; Mark Ratcliff, Sherri Ratcliff, and Kim Ratcliff Defriece.

Throughout Mike’s life, he worked hard to show what a good example of a man to look up to would be. From running from dogs while reading meters in Tennessee, to climbing ladders in the water company in Colorado, Mike always proved he was willing to do anything for his family. Eventually, Mike found a way to incorporate his love for golf as his new career. He began working for Rolling Hills Country Club where we learned he was the model worker who always gave 110%. We also learned that every once in a while, “working late” meant sneaking in a round of golf.

It was because of Mike’s tenacity and hard work that he would eventually be recruited to work for Littleton Golf Course. He always showed up for work early and was willing to stay late to get the job done. He spent about the next 20 years of his life cutting cups, mowing greens, and chasing geese. In fact, Mike chased so many geese that he became an expert in their behaviors. After watching many dogs, lasers, lights, and even swans fail to remove the geese, Mike knew he could come up with a solution. After consulting his brother in law, they came up with the most effective tool to humanely scare the geese away… The Goosinator! With its signature orange body, and ability to go from land to water, The Goosinator began to get the attention it deserved, and Mike’s dream became a legacy on the golf course.

Mike was a habitual fisher, golfer, metal detector, inventor, President of youth sports, and the best friend anyone could ask for. Mike had the ability to light up a room. Whether you were greeted by his radiating smile, or he pulled you aside and said “I got a good one for ya.” Mike loved bringing everyone joy and laughter, even if every once in a while even if it was at his own expense.

To many, Mike was known as a president of youth sports, a referee, and a coach that stepped up in many forms for children of all ages. He coached his kids, niece, nephew, neighbor, and any other kid that was in need. Not only would Mike teach you how to be a better player, but he would show you how to be a better person. He would emulate the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, getting good grades, and even sitting on the bench so the other players could have a chance. He would express the importance of giving it your all, becoming a better version of yourself, and never uttering the words “I can’t” because he knew with enough practice you could do anything you set your mind to. Mike would go the extra mile to make it possible for kids to participate. He gave out free uniforms, gave rides to players, would ref games of people he never met, and would always high five every player after the game no matter what their jersey color was. Mike always led with his heart and could relate to everyone’s circumstances. He regularly offered rides to referees even if “they couldn’t make a call worth a damn!” He knew the importance of showing kids with hard work, they could be even bigger than they imagined they could be. Eventually the kids grew older and Mike became the best cheerleader one could ask for. Through all the practices and games, one could hear Mike’s deep voice overshadowing the crowd encouraging you along the way. Mike had a big impact on our community that will continue to echo through future generations. It is through his teachings that his legacy will continue to ripple through not only the ones he coached, but their children and their children as well.

It was in Mike’s later years that he acquired one of his most important jobs...Santa Clause! Every year Mike would sneak away, put on his red suit, black leather boots, long white beard and would walk into our annual Christmas party with a bag full of gifts. He would call up each kid one by one to sit on their lap and give them a gift. And every once in a while, he would stick to his joking nature and make an adult go up and get a gift from him too. Mike was always spreading joy and would do anything to make someone smile.

Mike was a simple man who was willing to enjoy the little things in life. He was a husband who always stood by his wife. A dad who did everything he could for his kids, and a proud grandfather who loved showing his grandbabies off to the world. He taught his kids to dream big and that he would always be cheering them on from the sideline. He showed his grandkids how to fish, ride bikes, the importance of family, and that his love for them is eternal. Even though Mike’s body exited early, it is all of his amazing qualities that still live on and teach us how to be better people. Work hard, stand by your loved ones, help strangers, be a good example to youth for they are our future, believe in yourself, and most importantly spread laughter.

“The secret is to have a sense of yourself, your real self, your unique self. And not just once in a while, or once a day, but all through the day, the week and life.”

-Bill Murray

Due to current restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held in Mike's honor next New Years. We hope you can celebrate with us.