Michael Small

Michael DeWayne "Bambi" Small was born April, 25, 1966, to a loving mother, Frances P. Chambers, and father, Archie Henderson. Michael's alacrity for life was exhibited very early. Born prematurely at one and a half pounds, he had bright eyes and a love for life, features this vibrant compelled his aunt, Gloria, to give him the nickname of the Disney character "Bambi". The name Bambi stuck with him, and he would be affectionately known by family and friends by this name for the duration of his life. Michael grew up in a structured home with his stepfather, Jackie Chambers. Jackie would continually coach Bambi on the rudiments of life and responsibility. Bambi would glean many lessons from Jackie and very often reflected on these life lessons. Frances Chambers was the nucleus of Bambi's life; she loved protected and nurtured Bambi until she was called home in September of 1998. As a child, Bambi attended Hallett Elementary, Hill Junior High and later attended Kunsmiller Junior High School. Bambi attended and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1984. Bambi excelled in sports as an athlete particularly, football. To this day, Bambi holds athletic records at Thomas Jefferson High School in football. Bambi enjoy joking, riding bikes, and sports. Bambi was an avid Raiders fan. Bambi's thirst for life and fun attracted him to his lifelong friends, Bobby, Luke, Anthony, Willie, and Charles amongst many others. Bambi had a particular affinity for Park Hill. Often, he would be seen by a plethora of the Park Hill residence exploring the neighborhoods and making new friends. Bambi's tight-knit group of comrades grew so strong that he helped engineer a language specific to his Fraternal Order of Brethren. This language is still spoken amongst his closest friends and family members. Bambi enjoyed and loved his family he maintained his relationships with his family and friends through phone calls and Facebook. Bambi would often times spend the better part of his day reaching out to friends and family just to say hello or for updates on their well-being Bambi's close-knit relationship was rekindled with his childhood friend, Bobby, when he was reunited with him in Texas. After a short stint, Bambi would return to Colorado. Upon returning to Colorado, he would help usher in the focus of his existence. On October 6, 2011, Athena Marie Small was born to Michael Small and Marie Lavick. Bambi enjoyed his daughter and spoke compassionately of her while sharing pictures of her even with complete strangers. Bambi enjoyed his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and stayed in conversation with him no matter the occasion. He had a unique relationship with his niece, Dorian. Assisting Bambi in fatherhood, Bambi's niece, Shawnie Small assumed the parenting roll for Athena and adopted her as her own. Bambi cultivated a special love for his younger cousins, Terry, Jr. and Andrew Spears, and would later spend the bulk of his latter years with them along with his much beloved uncle Terry, Sr. Actively participating in Bambi's life, the three would accept Bambi as their own. The bond became so close that Terry and Andrew's children would affectionately call Bambi" Uncle Cousin Bambi." An active part of the family, Bambi would spend birthdays holidays and many special occasions (mostly Raiders games) together with them as well. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Archie Henderson; mother, Frances P. Chambers; and his step-father, Jackie Chambers. Michael DeWayne "Bambi" Small was called home to be with the Lord on November 7, 2016, Bambi is survived by his daughter, Athena Marie Small; his brothers, Paul (Sharon) Small, Timothy Small, Roger Henderson; his sisters, Diann Small and Shana Chambers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 11/25/2016 at 9:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 11/25/2016 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 11/25/2016 - Following the Service St. Simeon Cemetery - 22001 Colorado 30 Aurora, CO