SAD NEWS IN D-38 SCHOOL

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 2, 2008 | by JENNIFER WILSON

Prairie Winds Elementary School students saw a smiling Mike Avery at the crosswalk every morning, sometimes wearing shorts and a light jacket even in freezing weather.

He relished the cold, Principal Aileen Finnegan said.

Tuesday morning, Finnegan's teachers discussed the sad news with their young students: Avery, 45, wouldn't be coming back.

Avery, who lived in Monument, died in a snowmobile accident March 26 during Lewis-Palmer School District 38's spring break.

As a paraprofessional, Avery worked with autistic students for three years at Prairie Winds, northeast of Monument in the King's Deer housing development.

Despite his big frame, Avery had a "gentle soul," Finnegan said.

"He was just a gentle giant. He had an absolute heart for children and families," Finnegan said. "They just adored him, and the kids adored him."

Avery died after he lost control of his snowmobile and hit a tree near Laramie, Wyo., she said.

Avery wasn't married and didn't have children, Finnegan said, and his family lives in San Diego.

District 38 Superintendent Ray Blanch, in a letter to Prairie Winds families, said that a memorial service will be held for Avery, and that the details will be released soon.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0274 or jennifer.wilson@gazette.com