Submitted by Name: Dave Evans (PHS Nick Name: Harvey) From: Provo E-mail: Contact
Comments: Along with the many lives Mike touched, our hearts are deeply saddened along with yours at this news. For 10 years I've been trying to re-connect with Mike, and fortunately succeeded just this last year after exchanging dozens of e-mails with Mike's high school friends from Apache Lane. We'd all been looking for our dear high school friend. Last spring Allen Henricksen and I were able to meet Mike for breakfast, catch up on life since PHS, and talked about his quest to overcome cancer which he was confident he'd beat. We talked about Mike's dreams for of his still possibly making it big on the music scene, and in e-mails, getting together and playing some, maybe even for this years 40th PHS reunion. Five years ago I started taking lessons and bought four or five guitars, thinking about Mike the whole time, and even started learning and playing his Rock Daddy set list from his band's web site. Like so many others in a culture of music revolution, Mike made a big impression on us back in the late 60's and early 70's. He was many of our standard of musicianship.
As one slowly is able to reconnect with the high school crowd once long ago exited, one finds joy and some surprises along the way. Thank you, Mike, for being one of those who brought me such great joy. We'll have to wait for that chance to play together, but promise me you won't forget. I'll be practicing.
Submitted by Name: Drew Gardner From: Asheville N C E-mail: Contact
Comments: Michael was the single greatest influence in my adolescent life. He was always a step ahead and a head above anyone else. He tought me to play guitar and played in the first 2 bands I was in until he kicked me out. ( I was the weak link) Over the next few years he continued to be my mentor when ever I had a question about music or life. I just wish I could talk to him one more time.
Submitted by Name: David M. Brown From: Lehi, Utah E-mail: Contact
Comments: Since my earliest years I always looked up to my Uncle Mike. He has had a huge influence on my life and on the direction I've taken. His kind, gentle, non-judgemental nature is something I've always loved about him. Accepting, friendly, easy to talk to; that's Mike.
I always looked forward to family gatherings when I'd get a chance to see and talk with Uncle Mike. His influence will live on in my life and in everyone's life with whom he came in contact. He was just that kind of guy.
Submitted by Name: Gordon Hilton From: Honolulu, HI now - Heber City, Utah in the beginning E-mail: Contact
Comments: I met Michael through a mutual friend Mike Dennison and mutual association with Mark Miller and Progressive Music Stores in about 1973. Our bands became friends and we played together on a few occasions. The last time my band, the Notorious Quickstep Brothers Band played was at the Mountain Spa in Midway, Utah and Thunderbuck Ram joined us. We looked up to them. I remember Quickstep sitting in and playing a set at the Ice Palace in Provo, Utah during a Thunderbuck Ram gig. I remember the Thunderbuckers playing at Merrill and Mary (Carlson) Osmond's wedding reception in Heber City - the social event of the decade in our tiny town. Michael was a special talent - and clearly a special person. He will be missed by his many friends and his family. And he is probably Climbing the Stairway to Heaven playing his electrifying guitar as we remember him.
Submitted by Name: Richard Rife From: Orem, Utah E-mail: Contact
Comments: Dear Sue and Family,
I am writing to express my sincere condolences upon Mike's passing. As you know, it has been my privilege to serve as Mike's bishop for most of the past six years. Mike worked closely with me in his faithful service as financial clerk.
It was a joy for me to get to know Mike. I loved his positive, gentle, kind personality. He was always upbeat, even in the face of cancer. It made me feel good simply to be in his presence. I know of his love of, and devotion to, Sue and his family!
I admire Mike for his humility and his willingness to serve, never seeking for the limelight, always striving to be helpful. That Primary Nursery was one of Mike's favorite callings says it all.
And I loved Mike's music!
I pray for you, Sue, and your family, that you will feel the influence of the Comforter. I know from my own experience in times of loss that the Holy Ghost is the Comforter and that he really does comfort. May God bless you with many fond memories of Mike's life well lived.
When I die, and move through the veil, if I see Mike, I'll be relieved, for I'll know I went to the right place (the good place).
Janet sends her love and prayers for comfort at this difficult and tender time.
Submitted by Name: Dave & Colleen Witt From: Provo E-mail: Contact
Comments: We first came to know Mike (and Sue) over 30 years ago when he was a young artist and musician. For more than 13 years I worked side by side with him doing graphics and printing. He was always a true professional, but first he was a warm and trusted friend.
I relied on his opinion in decisions and came to value his insight into people. He always recognized the best in those around him, and could see right through someone who was not a 'real' person.
We had so many times of great accomplishment at work, and at the same time we had so much fun sharing and working together. He even had his band perform in a couple of 4th of July Parades in Provo, showcasing the business.
We also shared countless lunches and a bunch of company parties through the years. - - - "Those were the years...".
I will always cherish the good times we shared and look forward to reminiscing with him again some day.
Submitted by Name: Mont Call From: Orem, Ut E-mail: Contact
Comments: Michael was my brother in music, he was my dear friend in life, ive missed him greatly for along time, ill miss him greatly for along time still. Love you Michael.
Submitted by Name: Dell Brown From: Orem, UT E-mail: Contact
Comments: Dear Sue and family,
For the last few years, you have shared Michael with us at MonaVie. We have been blessed to know him and he has made significant contributions here. He was a hard worker and a dedicated employee. We know that he loved and honored his family. He exemplified this in his work. Many of his co-workers miss him dearly and we all share in your loss. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time of loss and morning.
Submitted by Name: David Earl From: Provo, UT E-mail: Contact
Comments: I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Almost all of the great stories and great times of my youth involve Mike. I still have a t-shirt with the YES logo than he painted for me in high school. He was an inspiration to all of us who knew him, both personally and musically. I'm sorry that circumstances preclude me from being at his service, but I will be there in spirit and my heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends.
Submitted by Name: Randy Rouse From: Boise, Idaho E-mail: Contact
Comments: Michael is my cousin and in the early years I would love to visit their house in Provo on the hill. I remember the Knight in the entryway and it always reminded me of Michael. He was older, bigger, stronger and really cool. He was someone I really looked up to even though I was just a punk kid that tried not to cramp his style. I watched him, now he'll be watching us. God bless you Michael - say hi to uncle Max!
Name: Dave Evans (PHS Nick Name: Harvey)
From: Provo
E-mail: Contact
Along with the many lives Mike touched, our hearts are deeply saddened along with yours at this news. For 10 years I've been trying to re-connect with Mike, and fortunately succeeded just this last year after exchanging dozens of e-mails with Mike's high school friends from Apache Lane. We'd all been looking for our dear high school friend. Last spring Allen Henricksen and I were able to meet Mike for breakfast, catch up on life since PHS, and talked about his quest to overcome cancer which he was confident he'd beat. We talked about Mike's dreams for of his still possibly making it big on the music scene, and in e-mails, getting together and playing some, maybe even for this years 40th PHS reunion. Five years ago I started taking lessons and bought four or five guitars, thinking about Mike the whole time, and even started learning and playing his Rock Daddy set list from his band's web site. Like so many others in a culture of music revolution, Mike made a big impression on us back in the late 60's and early 70's. He was many of our standard of musicianship.
As one slowly is able to reconnect with the high school crowd once long ago exited, one finds joy and some surprises along the way. Thank you, Mike, for being one of those who brought me such great joy. We'll have to wait for that chance to play together, but promise me you won't forget. I'll be practicing.