Mikal Paul
August 21, 2006 – August 1, 2025
Mikal Paul, 18, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away on August 1, 2025. Born in Loveland on August 21, 2006, Mikal grew up surrounded by the beauty of Colorado and the love of his family and friends.
He was the beloved son of Becky McBlair and Yvette Berndt, and the cherished stepson of Kelly Amling. He was deeply loved by the McBlair family, including Grandma Jo and Grandpa Bob, Auntie EE and Uncle Bill, Uncle Matt and Auntie Nikki, Uncle Seth and Auntie Shevin, and many cousins who held a special place in his heart. The Berndt family also loved him deeply, and he leaves behind his sister Shelby, Grandma Jan, and Grandpas Richard and Manfred. He was also blessed with the love of his second family—the Hannams—who embraced him as their own.
To his family, Mikal was not only Mikal—he was Bubbas, Sonshine, Monkey, Mijito, JP, and Buddy. Each name carried a piece of the love and joy he brought to those closest to him.
Mikal had a zest for life and a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and an outdoorsman in the making, always eager for a camping trip under the stars. He enjoyed playing Fortnite—and was truly skilled at it—and he had a wide-ranging taste in music, always keeping his mom, Yvette, up to date on the latest hits.
A handsome young man with an unforgettable smile, Mikal carried himself with a natural style—looking good no matter what he wore. His beauty radiated from his laughter, his kindness, and his gorgeous hair. He recently graduated from GOAL High School in May 2025 and was pursuing his dream of becoming a tattoo artist.
Mikal saw himself clearly and proudly listed his best qualities in his own words: unique, strong, artistic, loyal, honest, brave, kind, smart, courageous, handsome, strong-minded, funny, romantic, loving, caring, determined, outgoing, fashionable, color-coordinated, mentally strong, empathetic, knowledgeable, good driver, good music artist, good music taste, powerful, inspirational, sympathetic, nature lover, great fisherman, healthy, in shape. Those who knew him would agree that he embodied every one of these traits.
A natural protector, Mikal always looked out for others, often putting their needs before his own. He practiced jiu-jitsu for many years as a child and teenager, excelling in the discipline and strength it taught him.
One of the scriptures Mikal carried in his heart was Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Mikal’s life, though far too short, was filled with love, laughter, and an undeniable light that touched everyone who knew him. He was our wildfire—beautiful, untamed, and unforgettable. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to share in his journey.
Mikal Paul Berndt McBlair. I’ll love you forever and I’ll cherish every single one of our memories til the day I die. I miss you so fucking much and I don’t know how to live this life without you
Son. I miss you like crazy. It’s hard for me to never see you, hear you, hug you, or give you advice again. I knoooooow you didn’t mean for this to happen, I love you nonetheless. I know your are happy now, no more weight on your beautiful shoulders. I’m still here for you. Always remember our last interaction because I will. Our final words are our lasting words…I love you son… I love you more.
Momma
that was my brother
We got to know Mikal’s adventures personality when our families did an RV trip together in South Dakota. We immediately knew he was adventurous, daring and full of life. He would make his own path through dense brush, walk along narrow mountain ledges and do scary tall bungee jumps in parks. You kept us on our toes and we know you are keeping them in heaven on their toes as well. We miss you and love you.
Joe and Vera Arellano
Mikal paul, you were the sweetest most caring person I ever met and im glad I got the time with you that I did. You were my person, my friend, my home, my everything and life won’t be the same without you, I promise to look for you in every sunset and to always make sure your name is carried on. Here’s to you mikal paul❤️
I miss you so much we’ve known each other for 5 years we meet on Fortnite and loved playing together we listened to music together all the time we called a lot we would always sing lovely together I love you so much forever my best friend
My best friend: I don’t remember life without you and I keep questioning how I’m supposed to keep going. I love you so much bubbas. I miss you everyday. I know you’re up there partying. But i wish you were down here with me instead. All the times we blasted music and danced and hugged even kissed. I love you forever. ❤️
Hey Sonshine!! (insert “Hey Ma”)
To say I LOVE & MISS YOU doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling!! ❤️ You are the light of my life, my Wild Fire, you made this world a better place just by being in it, and the best part is that all of those things are still true! The joy in your smile and laugh, the warmth of your hugs, the peaceful feeling of singing together or listening to you sing…. so much to miss, but SO MUCH MORE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR!! I love you to the moon and back Sonshine… you know the rest… and don’t you forget it!! I’ll see you later. I❤️U!!
Ma❤️
Cant believe Ill never hear you again Mikal…..I imagine you are missing those who miss you just as much if not more……I love your face and your dear heart. Always wanting to help out in some way….I will see you again one day…..Fly Free
I think of the many times the four of us got together. You, your mom, Garret and I. Whether it was fishing, hiking. meeting up at a jump house, going to watch a movie, camping or just hanging out when you were younger. It’s hard to believe you are no longer with us. You were so loved and still are. I know things weren’t always easy and your mom Becky was your biggest warrior. For now, we claim God’s promise, and know that we will see you again someday.
I had the privilege to serve as a temporary POD Leader for Mikal at his school – Mikal was always courteous to me, and we talked often about his plans to become a tattoo artist. It was actually his and I’s conversations about tattooing that inspired me to encourage an old friend of mine to pursue his own tattoo parlor aspirations he had when we were younger that he had placed on the backburner. I’m so sad to hear of Mikal’s passing, and though my meetings with him were brief, he left a strong impression of confidence and general joy for life.
Mikal. I wish so much we had more time together. I wish we could’ve chatted more. You’ve left way too early and left many broken hearts. You’re a beautiful person inside and out and you’re loved so much.
Rest with the angels baby boy.
What a wonderful child he was. I am so sorry that he is no longer with us. I send my condolences. I remember him telling me he got Benson Boone tickets and how excited he was to go to the concert a few years ago. So, so sorry.
Mikal and I met in 4th grade we instantly became best friends, we came up with this whole thing of being brother and sister. Ever since that day he’s always been my brother and always will. Mikal was my longest and closest friendship I’ve had. He was always so goofy and could make people laugh. Not only was he an incredible person but he had such a beautiful soul and loved all his family and friends. I wish we had more time together, more laughs. He treated me like I was blood family to him. You’ll always be in my heart and I love you so much you’ll always be my brother – your lil sis
Mikal you sweet precious soul, I love and miss you so much! I feel blessed and honored to have known you and to be in the presence of your beautiful light. You touched so many lives on your short time here. You were a blessing to us all. Taken too soon by a tragic accident. I will always cherish our conversations and remember your beautiful smile, until we are together again.
Love always,
Jenny ❤️
I’ll forever miss you Mikal the memories I have with you I’ll cherish for the rest of my life you were the most incredible person I ever met and I’ll forever remember you that way I miss you and always will you’ll always hold a special place in my heart and on my mind I love u forever Mikal
It makes me sad that we will never get to fix our friendship but you were always so sweet even when you made fun of me I’ll miss you forever mikal
I’ll always miss you brotha, even tho we didn’t really hang out you were an amazing person. Always made me laugh with Kevin and Cayden. I wish we could’ve hang out more often. It breaks my heart my heart knowing I’ll never see or talk to you again.
I’ll miss you forever Mikal, you loved me so hard I learned how to love myself, I truly believe that Jesus sent you to me to help and you did I love you bubba more than you will ever know, I know your with God up there with all the puppies and protecting everyone and putting them on to some good music your the most amazing soul I’ve ever met I love you so so much, till we meet again.
Mikal you came into my life when I needed someone there you were there for me when I needed it most I never knew how to handle your death when I got the news but I wanted to call you so so bad I miss you with everything in me and I wish you were here to watch me graduate and live the life we had planned I miss you more then anything I love you so much mikal Paul
Although we weren’t friends for long, everyday I talked to you made me smile. I’ll forever miss you bro, you were loved by so many…
Mikal it’s been almost a year without you and I still don’t know how to process ur passing I’m still struggling as if it happened yesterday idk how to live this life knowing ur not here i wish i could just call u and tell u I love u and miss u but I can’t but I hope u know much u meant to me and forever will mean to me u were and always will be my best friend my favorite person someone I considered my family the bond we shared will forever live on through me I’ll never stop chanting ur name or ur memory you’ll forever live on through me Mikal u were such a beautiful person with the most gentle loving soul I have ever met you loved me in ways I’ve never felt from my own family you made sure I was ok on days I wasn’t okay on. I love you always and forever till we meet again beautiful beautiful boy