John Michael Sill, our beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, teacher and motivator, passed away December 19, 1994, suddenly of a heart attack.
Born December 12, 1934 in Salt Lake City. An avid body builder, Michael accomplished much in five years of training. At age 14 he won the Jowett World Body Building Trophy, Mr. Utah Jr. in 1955, Mr. Utah Sr. in 1956, Mr. Rocky Mountain in 1957, Mr. Western America in 1957. He received an Honorable Discharge from the National Guard where he served as an assistant Chaplain for eight years. Mike served a two year LDS Mission to London, England, where he was very successful. His love for life, enthusiasm and creativity helped him bring the gospel to many. He also served in a variety of church callings. Many will remember his motivational seminars given to youth groups over the years.Two years at the University of Utah studying sculpture prepared him to later pose for the world famous paintings that Arnold Freiberg did for Cecil B. DeMille's film, "The Ten Commandments". He also posed for Dr. Avard Fairbank's rendition of "Lychurgus," located in Greece, and the Aaronic Priesthood statue located on Temple Square.
Married Rebecca Jo Griffen, December 2, 1960; later divorced. Married Diane Davis, December 15, 1972; later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, May 7, 1975.
"Mike", as he was known to many, loved to meet and talk to people. He also loved cars, trucks and guns. Mike's positive influence and enthusiasm was showered on all who came in contact with him.
All who knew him are better for it.
He also spent many hours remodeling and improving his homes, apartments and restaurant. His life's vocations included his time as a New York Life agent, a floor covering contractor, and owner of the Heritage House and Plumed Horse restaurants in Orem for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Davis Sill of Salt Lake City; mother, Doris T. Sill of Salt Lake City; son, Sterling G. (Brenda) Sill of Bountiful; daughter, Stephanie (Patrick) Moad of Aiea, Hawaii; daughter, Melody (Kay) McNeil of Sandy; sister, Mary Carolyn (Don) Knepper of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Patricia (Morris) Clegg of Vineyard, Utah; brother, Don Jay (Barbara) Brown of Orem; sister, Linda Mary Brown of Calif.; seven grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, Elder Sterling W. Sill, who died May 25, 1994, and a brother, David Sterling Sill who died in July of 1993.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 23, 1994, 11:00 a.m., Garden Park Ward Chapel, 1150 E. Yale Ave. (1080 So.). Friends may call at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Thursday evening 6-8 p.m. and at the church Friday, 10-11 a.m. Interment: Kaysville City Cemetery.
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