Obituary: Michael D. Merrill

Michael D. Merrill "Best Friend" Our dear brother, son, uncle, and friend, Michael D. Merrill, died suddenly June 13, 2006 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah of natural causes. Mike was born on a beautiful summer day July 16, 1977 to Robert D. Merrill (deceased) and Alice Merrill Simonsen. The youngest of three boys, Mike immediately brought a sense of adventure and fun to his family. He had a talent to lighten a tense moment and to brighten a tough day. He was known for his enthusiasm for life and a rare genuine affection for those close to him. He graduated from East High School in 1995 where he developed several life long friendships and gained a passion for snow skiing and hockey which he played regularly until his death. He often took the lead to organize his group of friends for city league hockey and rarely missed a chance for a quick couple of runs at the 'bird. He was proud of the several city hockey league championships his team collected over the years. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Business Marketing in 2000 where he was an officer and house manager of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He proudly wore his father's 40 year old Sigma Chi ring. Mike married Kari Monson in 2001 and, although they later divorced, they remained great friends. After graduating, he began a successful career in commercial real estate working at the time of his death as an associate broker with CB Richard Ellis in Salt Lake City. Despite a short career he earned a reputation in a tough business as a self starter, hard worker and honest businessman. People hired Mike because they knew he would work hard for them and because they just liked to be around him. After the death of his father while he was a senior in high school, Mike felt a need to help other young people who had lost a parent or other loved one. For the past several years he worked as a volunteer counselor for The Sharing Place, serving as Group Coordinator at the time of his death. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike was an example of Christian friendship to all who knew him. He loved his family and during the past several years he was a special strength and support to his mother. Mike had a special connection with the Utah outdoors and was always up for a Moab bike trip or a hike in the Wasatch mountains. When Mike came along you knew it would be a great time. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Merrill, and is survived by his mother Alice Merrill Simonsen and step-father Robert M. Simonsen of Midway, Utah; brother Robert (Cheryl Leigh) Merrill of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother Brad (Tricia) Merrill of North Salt Lake City, Utah; nephews Raleigh, Nate, Jack and Rex; nieces Charlett and Olivia; and many step-brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. He was a fabulous uncle that made each of his nieces and nephews feel like they were his favorite. He is also survived by his dear friend Tamber Snarr and countless best friends. He will be profoundly missed. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2006 at the LDS Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will greet friends and family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2006 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, or one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. The family suggests donations in Mike's name to The Sharing Place, www.thesharingplace.org. Online condolences may be sent at www.larkinmortuary.com.