Michael “Mike” Travers
March 6, 1943 – August 16, 2026
Michael “Mike” Travers, a lifelong resident of Westport, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026. Born on March 6, 1943, Mike was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Alice Travers.
Mike lived a life rich with love, laughter, music, cooking, teaching, horses, baseball, and an enduring devotion to his family and community. He was the kind of person who made connections easily, loved a good conversation, and always seemed to have time to stop and chat. His upbeat spirit, warmth, and genuine interest in others will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A proud former Marine, Mike was stationed in Hawaii and had the special honor of being a member of the Marine Corps Band, where he played the baritone horn. His love of music remained an important part of his life. Even at home on the farm, you could often hear Mike whistling happily as he went about his favorite chores—a familiar and comforting sound that will forever be remembered by those who loved him.
Mike was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church, where his faith and sense of community were an important part of his life.
Mike was also a lifelong baseball fan and an especially devoted Boston Red Sox supporter. During his years at Westport High School, he played catcher, combining his love of the game with the friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life.
After his military service, Mike devoted many years to education and retired as a beloved teacher at Durfee High School. Teaching was more than a career to Mike—it was an opportunity to connect with young people, encourage them, and make a difference in their lives.
Mike’s greatest love, however, was his family. He and his beloved wife, Joan P. (Briggs) Travers, shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Their story began through 4-H, where they first met, and grew into a lifelong partnership filled with love, family, friendship, and countless memories. Joan was truly his bride, his best friend, and the love of his life.
Mike and Joan also shared a love of dancing. He was a wonderful ballroom dancer, and the two of them enjoyed many happy moments together on the dance floor. Their life together was filled not only with devotion, but with fun, laughter, music,
and a true partnership.
Mike leaves behind his cherished wife, Joan; his sons, Scott Travers and his wife, Joanne Lawrence, and Sean Travers, all of Westport; and his brother, James Travers of Dartmouth. He also leaves his beloved niece, Kimberly (Travers) Carvalho of Westport, and nephew, Tom Travers, along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, and his family was always at the heart of his life.
Mike had a special passion for Morgan horses and was a longtime aficionado and partner of Driftway Meadows Morgan Horse Farm. He was an active member of both the New England Morgan Horse Association and the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association. The horses, the people, and the friendships he found through the Morgan community brought him tremendous happiness.
Mike especially loved going to horse shows and was famous for being the first one to arrive. His enthusiasm for the horses and the people he loved made every show something to look forward to. Whether working around the farm, talking horses, or preparing for a show, Mike was happiest when he was surrounded by the Morgan horse community he cherished.
He also had a particular fondness for spending time at the Pink Bean in Fall River, where, true to form, he could enjoy a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, a familiar face, and—most importantly—a good conversation. Mike loved people, and wherever he went, he had a way of turning an ordinary visit into an opportunity to connect, laugh, and share a story.
Mike will be remembered for his infectious optimism, his wonderful sense of community, his love of baseball, his devotion to Morgan horses, and his extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome. He was a man who valued the simple joys of life: family gathered together, cooking and grilling, an occasional joke, a baseball game, horses nearby, and time spent talking with friends.
He was a man who found happiness in the everyday moments—and who had a remarkable ability to make those moments meaningful for everyone around him.
To those who knew and loved him, Mike was much more than the sum of his accomplishments. He was Joan’s beloved husband, his sons’ devoted father, a proud Marine, a teacher, a horseman, a Red Sox fan, a faithful parishioner, a dance partner, a beloved uncle, and a friend to so many. His presence brought warmth and light wherever he went, and his absence will be felt deeply.
Mike leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, former students, fellow parishioners, members of the Morgan horse community, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Mass of Christian Burial to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, August 21, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Church, Westport at 10:00 A.M.
Interment to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Westport.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the New England Morgan Horse Association, 70 Nemco Way, Ayer, MA 01432. The family hopes to establish a scholarship fund in Mike’s name to be awarded at the next New England Morgan Horse Show in recognition of Mike’s lifelong love of Morgan horses and his belief in supporting the next generation of Morgan enthusiasts.
Rest easy, Mike. Your music, your whistle around the farm, your stories, your laughter, your love of horses, and your beautiful dance with Joan will stay with us always.