Mike Carlon passed away March 20 in Boise, Idaho, from health complications.

Mike “Square Bear” Carlon was born on Feb. 3, 1960, in Burns to Larry and Wanda Carlon. Mike was also welcomed into the world by older brother, Bill, then two years later, both Bill and Mike gained another brother, Terry. For the first 11 years of his life, he and his family lived in Malheur County, where he attended grade school in Juntura. In 1971, the family moved to Crane, where he finished his schooling and graduated in 1979.

Mike worked as a mechanic at the Farm Supply which was his first major job as a mechanic. He worked for the farm supply for about six years before starting at the Harney County Road Department in 1990. He worked for the county for 25 years until early 2016 when he was overcome with illness and could no longer work. He enjoyed what he did and was good at it. He was a very hard and dedicated worker and did not stop until the job was done. Not only did he work as one of the main shop mechanics, but could also do most anything else that needed done. It wasn’t abnormal to see him driving truck or doing other odd jobs.

Mike had two children, Courtney and Beau. When the kids were younger, you would often find them with their dad practicing for the rodeo. One of their favorite things to do with their dad was ride their horses. He also helped the kids with 4-H, starting with a few pigs and then later moving on to market beef.

Mike was always in good humor and always loved to have a good time.He enjoyed playing jokes on people and laughing at their expense, but always in good fun. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and team roping throughout his life.

Mike would help anyone in a time of need. He had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back. He was a loving father, son, brother, and friend, taken from us entirely too soon, but we know that he is watching down on us.

Mike is survived by his children, Courtney and Beau Carlon; parents, Larry and Wanda Carlon; brothers, Bill and Terry Carlon; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Contributions in Mike’s memory may be made to the Harney County 4-H program and the Crane Mustang football program, in the care of Lafollette’s Chapel.