Michael John Chernikoff

Michael John Chernikoff, 34 years old, of Polson, MT, was lost to us in a swimming accident on Flathead Lake, August 4, 2019. Michael was born April 25, 1985 to Kenneth and Katrina Chernikoff.

“/stōkt/ adjective: stoked. exhila- rated, excited, or euphoric. (slang)” There was one word to describe Michael: stoked!! Since childhood, Michael was an exceptionally kind, funny, original, and loving person whose enthusiasm and gratitude for everything in life was both apparent and contagious. A born entertainer, communicator, and multi-faceted artist, Michael touched countless lives with his sincere interest and natural inclination to engage with others as both a compassionate listener and enthusiastic conversationalist.

Michael was a fearless and extraordinarily gifted artist who invested his creativity, humor, and skill in music, photography, drawing, rapping, filmmaking, drama, cooking, and even as a confessed “closet trombone player” with immeasurable passion. He was also an avid and longtime skier, skateboarder, and all-around athlete.

Michael was a true and loyal friend to an abundance of people from all walks of life, shared a remarkable closeness with his beloved parents, his sister Amy, brother-in-law Cody, his nephew and niece Trey and Harper, and found a recent and special joy in his relationship with Mathina and 3-year-old Jaiden. Michael worked for several years at Mission Mountain Natural Foods in Polson, a job he truly loved among people he felt the greatest respect and affection for. He was also much adored member of 12-step groups in the area, where his engagement and unique, funny, and entertaining expressions of gratitude, enthusiasm, and joy in sobriety will be terribly missed.

Please join us for a Celebration of Michael’s Life on August 25th at the Chernikoff Residence from 1-5 p.m. Address: 31804 Holmes Creek (turn onto Holmes Creek at 7 Mile Marker, Hwy 35, one-mile North of Finley Point, 2nd house on left). There will be a barbecue and guests are asked to bring potluck dishes. Please no alcohol or intoxicants out of respect for Michael’s sobriety.