December 19, 1963 – November 13, 2024

Michael William Elkins age 60, of Carbondale, Colorado went home to be with Jesus on November 13, 2024.
Mike is preceded in heaven by his father John Elkins and niece, Paige Oppe. He is survived by his mother Nelda Elkins; sister Sheri (Mike) Oppe and nephew Sam Oppe, cousins and lifelong friends who considered him family.
Mike, the second child of John and Nelda (Spradling) Elkins, was born in California and raised in south Denver and Greenwood Village. A natural athlete, Mike took to every sport he played in his youth, culminating at Cherry Creek High School where his intensity and drive to win propelled him to become an All Centennial League linebacker and two year letterman in baseball as a pitcher. He graduated with a business degree from beloved Arizona State University and returned to Colorado with a love of the desert and elite golf courses.
Mike began his real estate career in Denver with Grubb & Ellis. In 1992, he moved to the Roaring Fork Valley to join his Dad in developing what became Aspen Glen and his home for 31 years. Whether with his Dad “prospecting” real estate opportunities, with clients, or Meals on Wheels, the countless hours Mike spent driving around the valley served him well in business. It was this familiarity that helped make the pandemic years some of his most successful. Sale after sale, Mike’s explanation: “God dropped another one in my lap.”
Between work and play, Mike became somewhat of a fixture at Aspen Glen. When he wasn’t at the clubhouse, course or pool, he was likely to be found keeping tabs on the neighborhood’s wildlife activity. He loved living there.
When Mike cared about something, he was all in. There was little middle ground. He had a soft spot for the vulnerable- especially kids- and great disdain for bullies of any kind.
From an early age, Mike loved music, loud music. In 2015, when he recommitted his life to God, Mike’s favorites shifted from bands like the Grateful Dead to David Crowder, Kim Walker Smith and gospel choirs. Worshiping at Orchard Church was a joy of Mike’s life. He couldn’t get enough praise music, what he called “a piece of heaven,” and shared it regularly to encourage friends and family.
In addition to being an avid ASU fan, Mike loved all of Colorado’s professional sports teams with the Broncos topping the list. He grew up with the home game Sunday tradition of heading straight from church to the North stands at Mile High with his family and/or friends, street burritos in hand. Through good years and bad, Mike kept his family stocked in Bronco gear, and never missed an opportunity to throw an affectionate jab to his niece and nephew— New England Patriot fans.
And, then there was golf. Mike was driven by golf. A perfect day for Mike was the first tee time out, seventy degrees, no wind, construction or magpies. Mike’s last golf season was his best- 140 rounds between Colorado and Arizona- and he brought his handicap to an all-time low.
While it was Mike’s nature to keep to himself, he was fiercely protective of his family, friends and community. He was treasured by his family. He will be remembered for his unassuming kindness, storytelling, and self- deprecating sense of humor. Mike could always make you laugh. He is dearly missed.