Michael Edward Baffrey

May 17, 1948 -

Sep 6, 2022

Michael Edward Baffrey, age 74, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in his home in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by family. Michael was born to Edward and Margory Baffrey in Ottawa, Kan. From a young age, Michael loved adventures and traveling. He spent much of his childhood hunting, especially ducks, with his father.

Michael's early career included several Peace Corps volunteer assignments in the Philippines. His journeys included preserving threatened forests across remote communities, dubious dental work on rural islands and eventful encounters with poisonous reptiles. In 1984, Michael would call Alaska home. His career included international participation on the Arctic Council, oil spill rescue and cleanup efforts along the Alaska coast, and operating a commercial rafting operation along the various navigable waters across Alaska. He also worked for the Bureau of Land Management for a number of years and he retired from the Department of Interior as a Program Analyst after more than 40 years of service with the Federal Government.

Michael learned that finesse and humility are required for safe, successful big-game hunts; although, he was quick to discard all humility when it came to any form of sporting clay competition. He taught his children sporting clays and he volunteered his time to teach others competitive sporting clays at Rabbit Creek. Michael was a methodical and crafty fisherman on calm waters. He loved to float the Kenai and he was reliable and stubborn on the oars of a whitewater raft when a river got rowdy. Michael had a deep admiration for Mother Nature, and he never missed a moment of gratitude and peace when he could find it. He especially found rest and comfort in his quiet, hand-built log cabin nestled off the beaten path in Talkeetna where he often spent time with his children.

Michael will be missed for his adventures, but more so for his engaging and dramatic story telling. He will be missed for his signature, world's best chocolate cake.

Michael loved the Lord, and his greatest, proudest accomplishments were his family to whom he was dedicated to. Michael is survived by, missed and loved dearly by his children, Robert (Tina), Courtney (Chris Ladrow), Krysta (Gabe Shaddy-Farnsworth), Dylan (Fiancé Eliot Stutzer), Porter, Dawson, Madison; grandchildren, Luna and Ben (Robert); and long-term love of his life, Cycelia Gumennik.

Michael's celebration of life will be on Oct. 7, 2022, at 4 p.m. at Anchorage Bible Fellowship, 7348 Elmore Road in Anchorage.