Keith Harold “Mike” Choate, husband and father of five children, passed away March 4 at the age of 71.

Born May 10, 1948, in Spokane, Wash., to Keith and Clara Choate, Mike volunteered for the National Guard, and then spent his working career as a business owner, mechanic, and Polaris dealer. On April 25, 1970, he married Ann and together they raised three daughters, Maria Kate, Melanie Jade, Miranda Dawn, and two sons, Alexander Benjamin, and Abraham Nicholas.

Mike had a passion for the outdoors and helping others. He was a state and local member of Oregon State Snowmobile Association (OSSA) as well as the Harney County Search and Rescue. He served on the leadership councils and was OSSA president for several terms. Mike also spent time volunteering as a Little League baseball coach for his sons, but could most often be found fixing and repairing just about anything. He loved to share stories and advice, and his sarcastic humor was hard to match.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ann; five children; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister, Janet Williams.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara; father, Keith; and sister, Chris Sunwold.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Harney County Senior Center, 17 S Alder Ave in Burns.