Michael Sergent

Denver, CO—Michael Sergent, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. He was born January 28, 1948 in Harrisville, West Virginia, the son of Walter Emmett Sergent and Eleanore M. (Shuck) Sergent. Michael was a loving father, brother, husband, uncle and partner along with a great inspiration to his friends and community.

Michael graduated from Alhambra High School, class of 1966.  He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Jose State College in 1971. Michael followed his education journey with a Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Family, and Childhood Counseling from The University of Santa Clara in 1977.

As an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Substance Abuse Counselor & Educator for 35 years, Michael retired and joined the team at REI where he worked for 15 years along with his son, Ryan C. Sergent.  During this time he met his partner, Dianne Wilkinson in 2013 while out dancing in Denver CO.  They were together every day after that.  They enjoyed dancing, music, jazz clubs, and traveling to Paris, London, Northern Italy, Iceland, and Barcelona.  He loved every day they had playing with the grandchildren.

Michael loved music, people, family, and the outdoors. He was always there for those who needed him and had the laugh and smile to light up any room. His natural charisma drew people to him. Along with being a rather uncanny look-alike to John Lenon, Michael loved The Beatles more than any other. Later in life, he grew to love Jazz music.

Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother, his son, Ryan Sergent, sister Cindy Kennedy, nephews, Matthew Kennedy and Jeffrey Sergent.  He is survived by his partner Dianne Wilkinson, her two daughters, and three grandchildren.  Anita Johnston, mother of his children. Daughter Jessica DJ Himstedt, her husband Travis Himstedt. Daughter-in-law, Shandea Sergent. Additionally Michael’s siblings: Mariann & husband George Vallis, Daniel & wife Pam Sergent, Nancy Riley Henley, Chris Perez, Jane Sergent & partner, Dale Terry. Nephews and Nieces: Joseph Sergent, his wife Lauren, and their daughter, Maia. Robyn Riley, Sara Dovala, her husband John, and their daughter Laney.

The family will host a celebration of Michaels's life sometime within the next year to commemorate and enjoy together all of the time we have spent with Michael.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family asks that donations be made to the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative in memory of Michael and Ryan Sergent (https://www.14ers.org/) or to KUVO Jazz Radio Denver (https://www.kuvo.org/).

Lastly, many thanks to all who have reached out already and compliments and greatest of thanks to the wonderful staff at Lutheran Medical Center and Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, CO for all of their love, generosity, and support.