Barnard, Michael Arthur age 29, of Bay City, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on July 28th, 2017. He was born on August 17th, 1987 in St. Louis Park (Methodist Hospital) and grew up in St. Michael, MN. He graduated from High School in 2006 and had a passion for playing both baseball & football and always gave 100%. He was proud of reaching the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 15, earning a total of 32 merit badges. While attending college at Winona State, he met his wife Erica. Mike graduated from Winona State in 2011 with a 4 year degree in Composite Materials and a minor in mathematics. Mike always had a positive attitude and enjoyed helping others. Mike worked for Gougeon Brothers Inc. of Bay City as a Technical Advisor for over 6 years. Truly his calling and a dream job for Mike. He provided technical advice delivered in his very personable style. He enjoyed traveling and was able to visit 43 states as well as New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark in his short but full life. He will be missed by all that knew him. Survived by parents Kerry and Bitta Barnard, Aunts: Mary Lou (Gene), Melody (Rick), Mari (Paul) and Uncles: Tom (Paula), Bill (Wendy). Also survived by Erica Bengtson and pets, Kitty, Dora, and Zurg. Preceded in death by Grandparents Edna and Richard Jewell, Mary and Russ Barnard. The family wants to extend heartfelt thanks to his employer Gougeon Brothers, for taking our son under their wings and providing a position that allowed him to advance in the field of composites. In every way they were his "family" that provided so much more than a job. A celebration of life will be held on August 26th at 12:00 P.M. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hanover. Visitation prior to the celebration will begin at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to your favorite charity preferred.