I first had the honor to meet Mike back in 2005. I was fishing on the river with some coworkers. From the first moment it felt like i had known him for a lifetime. I am hard pressed to find another caring and more divoted man. While out fishing the weather had turned and instead of getting a motel room, Mike offered us his camper for the night. Mike had a great passion for traing and hunting with his outstanding dogs. He truly was a brother to everyone and he will truly be missed

I had the priviledge to work with Mike when he was an Agent in Watertown, SD. At that time, I was a (5) year patrolman of the Watertown PD. Mike allowed me to 'tag along' on some of the bigger cases he was involved in Watertown and the surrounding areas. He welcomed my questions. I asked for explainations, why he investigated certain cases the way he did and the techniques he used. Always, he would answer. Mike was passionate about people, and its people like him that make working in the Law Enforcemnt arena the Honorable Profession it is. When Mike left Watertown for Pierre, I knew I would always have a friend and confidant in the middle of the state. I later became an investigator. When I saw Mike, I would tell him what he taught did not go unused. He was a mentor. Mike was a great man who passed too soon. He left a mark on many. I credit much of my success as a Law Enforcement Professional to Mike, and people like him. Mike worked hard, had fun and did his best. He took pride and craftsmanship about his work. God blessed me with knowing Mike Braley. I am not the only one. My heartfelt condolences for Mike's family.

Mike was a great asset to Law Enforcement Training. He saw everything as an opportunity to do something good for students. He gave freely of his time and abilities. My fondest memory of Mike was when he "helped" LET turn cozy 2 person rooms into 4 person rooms. His ability to plan and build helped greatly when there was a need to house more students. He had the tools and knowledge and put in some long days with that building project. That is just one example of what he did for Law Enforcement in South Dakota.

Michael and I were what I call "best friends" during our high school days. Mike was a treat to be around, somewhat daring at times but that is what made it fun. Some of the memorable times I recall are as follows; Pheasant Hunting, Pheasant Hunting, Pheasant Hunting...we shot way over our limit each time we were out. I am surprised there are any left! Riding motorcycles, on golf courses, in between corn stalks and once and I while on the roads. Climbing apple trees in Winner and stealing apples...sometimes getting caught by the owner of the house while in his underwear. (true story) Fishing in any farm pond that we could find. On nice days we would skip school to go fishing. Borowing life size statues out of the back of Mabel's Ried's yard and taking them to the high school and placing them in the back of the pickup of the principal. Mike's gift of art was always amazing to me. He was clearly very tallented. I will miss Mike greatly. We would see each other periodically in Winner over the years. I am so sorry that I was not able to be back for the funeral. I had a son graduating at Michigan State the same day so I had to make a tough decision. His mother Jean was a saint as well. Take care Mike, I will think of you often. Dan Shaheen/Grand Rapids Michigan

I had the priviledge to teach Michael Braley when he lived in Clear Lake. I remember Jane telling me that I was one of a few people, including his grandmother, that Michael allowed them to call him Michael. To most everyone else, it was Mike. At the end of our pioneer unit, Michael had his dad come to school to make homemade pancakes. He also brought along real maple syrup they,and friends I believe that lived in Minnesota, tapped themselves. The kids thought it was the coolest thing that a "Dad" could even cook!! But to top things off, he preceded to make each child's first initial out of the pancake batter. It didn't get any better than that in the eyes of those fourth graders. To the Braley family, I offer my most sincere sympathy. Lisa Brandt, Clear Lake SD

Hey Jane, Remember the time Baily was having puppies and you both had to work. Mike called me up to see if I could babysit, little did I know it was a dog. Sat there all day as puppy after puppy was born, I think there was 11 in all.

When I came out on Memorial day, we went fishing. Do not remember how many fish we caught but had to clean them. I would not touch them unless I had gloves on but Mike said you catch, you clean, then you eat them. And we did and they were delicious.