Michael Breza passed peacefully into eternity on March 1, 2018. He was born in International Falls, Minnesota, in 1932. Michael graduated from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. He played collegiate ice hockey and was an avid Sioux fan. He was proud to have been an Eagle Scout.

Michael served in the Army Combat Engineering Division as a lieutenant. Michael was a medal-winning divisional pistol shooting marksman and traveled the western United States competing for the Army.

Michael retired from PCS Phosphate Aurora as mine manager in 2000. He was passionate about his leadership role there and the team who supported him.

Michael was an avid sailboat racer and a member of the Pamlico Sailing Club and the Washington Yacht & Country Club. His sailboat was named Excellence. Her name speaks to Michael’s integrity in all things. He enjoyed downhill skiing, and there are few western mountains that his skis did not carve.

Michael was a consummate gentleman. He was kind, considerate and possessed a wonderful sense of humor.

Michael is survived by his wife, Celeste Breza. We loved each other completely and thoroughly for 25 years.

Michael leaves three children: son John Breza and wife Kathy, of Springfield, Alabama; son James Breza and his significant other, Tanya Bechtold; and daughter Angela Pierce and husband Brien, of Tallahassee, Florida. He is also mourned by 16 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned on Ocracoke Island in June.