Michael was born March 9, 1954, in Pasadena, California to R. David and Kathryn Beede Burnett. They later moved to Washington Terrace in Utah.

He attended schools in Great Falls, Montana, So. Ogden, and Washington Terrace graduating from Bonneville High School in 1972.

When Michael was 11 years old, his Dad passed away. His grandpa Beede then became a major influence in his life. Michael followed him into railroading and worked as a fireman for the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired in 2004.

In 1975 he married Sally Jensen. They had 2 sons and later divorced.

Michael spent many summers, during his youth, in Dell, Montana at his Aunt Barbara and Uncle Hugh Briggs’ ranch bringing in hay and moving pipe. He loved this work and loved being at the ranch with his cousins. Michael was a true cowboy. He’d say, “Three men in a pickup truck. How do you know which one is the real cowboy? The one in the middle ’cause he don’t have to drive and he don’t have to open the gate.” Michael says he was always the one riding in the middle.

Michael, along with his partner, Denise Gilbert, fulfilled his lifelong dream to live in a cabin deep in the woods. They built that cabin on a beautiful piece of property in the Yaak near Troy, Montana. He loved being one with nature and all the critters of the forest. He even had a chipmunk buddy that would visit him on the front porch. As per his wishes he was buried on his property.

Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother, grandparents David and Dorothy Beede, Horace Burnett and Lola Burnett Jones and his younger brother Todd Land. He is survived by his partner Denise, his sons Brandon (Tiffany) and Dustin Burnett. He has five grandchildren Addison, Oakley, Ella, Brykn and Harley. Also his siblings Russell Burnett, Julianne (Gary) Nielsen, Daniel Burnett and Tina Bushnell.

A memorial service will be held later in late spring for family and friends in the Yaak on his property. Michael never said goodbye, instead, he would always say, “Have a golden day!”