Michael Eugene Scharf, of Phoenix, died Aug. 11, 2004, after a brief and valiant fight with cancer. Mike was born in Butte, Mont., Sept. 27, 1954, to Gene and Joan Scharf.

Mike was raised and attended school in Butte. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972 and retired Sept. 27, 1995. He had a very distinguished career in the Navy and was commissioned an officer Feb. 16, 1985.

He married Nancy Jo Murray of Helena, Mont., Dec. 6, 1976. He was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station for 10 years between 1986 and 1996.

Mass of the resurrection was celebrated at Aug. 17 at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Mesa, Ariz. A memorial celebration and mass in Helena will be held in late September. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.