Michael Kent Vargo

Michael “Mike” Kent Vargo, age 83, of Los Lunas, New Mexico, died following a short, valiant battle with cancer on August 6, 2023. He was born in Flint, Michigan on May 28, 1940 to Michael S. & Margaret (Sanders) Vargo. He grew up on West Jamieson Street in Flint. Mike graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1958. He met Patricia Gunton in 1959 and they were married February 25, 1961. Mike’s drive to build a better life for his family led him to attend the University of Michigan while working full-time. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in 1964. He joined the Glass Division at Ford Motor Company but soon realized he was more interested in the glass machine’s computer controls than its engineering. Against all advice, he made the prescient decision to leave engineering and join a computer company named IBM. After 7 years, rising through IBM sales and sales manager roles, his entrepreneurial spirit took over and he decided to pursue a new challenge. He left IBM to pioneer the Used Computer Leasing Industry as one of the first employees at CMI. Mike flourished as a leader in this new field and eventually started his own computer leasing business, Vargo Companies. After another 7-year itch he became an Expert Analyst in Leasing at Gartner Group -- helping global companies best manage their massive portfolios of leased assets. He retired to his “best job ever” in 1999.

Mike’s passion for life and adventure went well beyond business. His life-long passions included: cars, boats, traveling, family, music, great food, and a glass of chardonnay. Mike had over 30 cars in his lifetime, including his beloved ‘67 Corvette (327CI/350HP). Mike & Pat split their summers and winters between homes in Leland, Michigan, Sanibel Island and Fort Myers, Florida. During his retirement he remained active in leadership positions at Habitat for Humanity, Captiva-Sanibel Trust, Sanibel Congregational United Church, and numerous homeowner association boards. He supported Pat, his wife of 58 years, through her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, until her passing in 2020. Mike was fortunate to find love for a second time and recently wed a long-time friend, Jerrie Smith. She brought him joy, love, and comfort in recent years.

He leaves behind his wife, Jerrie Smith, daughter Michele Nieswand, son Mark (Jodi) Vargo, and daughter Stacy (Christian) Meisner. Loving Papa of grandchildren Chad (Nicole) and Corbin Nieswand, Dain and Jade Vargo, Jackson and Rowen Meisner, and great granddaughter Gwyneth Nieswand. He was preceded in death by his parents, and first wife Patricia Vargo.

A private memorial celebrating Mike’s life and the incredible path he forged for his family will be held at a later date. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy or honor Mike consider making a donation to their local food bank.