Michael W Park's Obituary
Michael, we held you in our arms for a little while, but we shall hold you in our hearts forever.
Michael (Mike) W. Park, 69, succumbed to his valiant 4 year battle with cancer on May 20, 2017. He was born on May 8, 1948 in Orem, Utah to John Jex Park and Lois Williams Park.
Michael lived in Lake Shore, Utah then moved to Murray, Utah at the age of 2.
The small farm in Murray was a learning ground for a foundation of hard work. Mike was the 5th of 6 children where the oldest child at home was put in charge of the garden chores. There he learned the consistent love and care of a garden produced bounties. Mike’s favorite being all kinds of berries.
He attended Olympus High School in Salt Lake City until his junior year.
Michael made a reluctant move to Idaho Falls at the age of 17. He graduated from the Idaho Falls High School in 1966. With his interest in mechanics he pursued vocational training at the Eastern Idaho Vocational School. In 1967 he joined U.S Navy as Radarman 3rd Class on USS Fiske, ending his military service in 1971. While on leave in New England Mike met his sweetheart Mary Lou Giusti. They were married on September 7, 1971 in New Bedford, MA.
He started a career in Diesel Mechanics in Idaho Falls. He continued this career in Salt Lake City, and Stockton CA. His talents lead to the accomplishment as a Service Manager for Mack Trucks. He received recognition for Service Manager of the Year while living in Stockton Ca.
His interests varied. One of his favorite was softball that he shared with his sons. He was given the title of Major League Administrator for the Little League in Stockton CA. He could rebuild a wrecked car from scratch and completed his masterpiece with his son Mathew. Cars were his love and his was immaculate. He sported a mean game of golf whether with his brother or son. He loved the water, boating and water skiing at the family reunions, and always appreciated a good game of pinochle. Gardening came from his childhood experiences with producing the most beautiful roses and tasty berries. Hobbies excluded Tomatoes or Fishing.
Michael is survived by his wife Mary Lou, sons James Michael Park and Mathew Michael Park, grandchildren Cody Wyatt Park and Corbin Jonathan Park. He is also survived by his brothers Clint (Helen), Max (Gayle), Sharol Whittaker, and Annette Larsen. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Kathryn LeCheminant, brother Wayne Park.
The Park Family would like to extend their thanks to: Encompass Hospice, St. Marks Hospital, Utah Cancer, and for the love and support from our friends at Healthsouth Rehab.
Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. on at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park, located at 17111 S. Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale. Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Veteran Cemeteries.
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