Michael Allen
Park
"Mickey"
Michael Allen Park, 74, of Sandy was killed tragically in an automobile accident in Parley's Canyon Friday, May 21, 2010. He died driving, one of his favorite pastimes.
Michael was born September 18, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, the only child of William Byron Park and Allie Margarette Messer. Michael loved God, his family, his Country, and music. Shortly after graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, Mickey joined the Air Force. He served as a navigator shuttling cargo and supplies between Hawaii, Japan, and Korea.
After returning to California he married Nancy Rose Johnston with whom he had three children, Michele, David, and Darren. Michael joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in August 1966 and enjoyed performing in ward choirs, acting as conductor, and providing musical numbers for the congregations he served. He was active in scouting and YMCA Indian Guides. One of his alleged claims to fame is having taught a young Jo Jo Starbuck to swim. Even while living in southern California he shared his love of skiing with his children. Therefore, when an opportunity came to move to Colorado, the family jumped at the chance. In Colorado Michael developed a love for the game of soccer and became a highly trained referee, qualified to referee college level games. Michael and Nancy later divorced.
Through his love of soccer Michael later met and married Alice Todd. His relationship with Alice took him back east where he developed a passion for cycling and canoeing. He canoed and rode all over the eastern seaboard and even canoed the boundary waters in Minnesota. Michael and Alice later divorced and he eventually moved to Utah where his children had settled.
In the nearly three years he lived in Utah he became as involved as he could in the lives of his grandchildren giving them a priceless gift that cannot be replaced. He also returned to his musical roots becoming involved in his ward choir and performing as often as he could. Finally, he took up the role of a temple worker in the Draper, Utah LDS Temple. This was a work he loved above all others. In fact, on the day of his death Michael made sure to arrange his schedule so that he could fulfill his responsibilities at the Temple prior to performing his temporal labors. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandpa, and friend.
He is survived by his daughter Michele (Ed) Endemano, his two sons David (Richaile) and Darren (Kristi), 17 grandchildren with one on the way, and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Willow Creek 7th Ward, 2215 E. Creek Road (8200 S.). A visitation with the family will be held just prior to the funeral services from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the same location. Interment at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd. (Redwood Rd), Bluffdale, UT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the VFW or the Wounded Warriors Project. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com