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In Memory

Mike Christiansen

Mike Christiansen

Mike died September 13, 2024. Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 19 to Sep. 30, 2024.

Michael (Mike) Merrill Christiansen passed away on September 13, 2024, at the age of 73 in his home surrounded by his family. Born August 18, 1951, as the youngest of three boys to Jack and Ann Christiansen in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has left behind a reputation of being true to himself and a gentleman. He was known for his intelligence, kindness, and integrity by those who took the time to know him.

Mike graduated high school from Highland High and went on to obtain degrees from the University of Utah in Economics and Geography, and later his MBA. While at the U, he met Patricia Wharton (Brown) whom he married and shared 4 children Mac, Jim, Katie, and Beth. He enjoyed making lunches for his kids every day and always knew the right time to bring home DO's and chocolate milk to kick off a perfect weekend. He would never miss an event when his children were growing up and would spend time coaching and took great pleasure supporting the activities of his children and grandchildren throughout his life. He loved his family and would support them in any endeavor or hardship they undertook.

While not overly religious, he served a mission in Scotland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He would often reminisce about his time in Scotland and loved to share stories of his mission president, F. Nephi Grigg. Mike helped instill the values of hard work, honesty and conviction in one's own beliefs into his family. He was always supportive of their individual choices. He showed his religion in the way he would serve and give of himself and his time. There was never an errand too trivial if he could ease the burden of a friend or family member.

He had a deep passion for the various arts. He had a unique taste in paintings which were full of vibrant and bold colors. He commented in his final days that he hopes when his grandchildren see the paintings he left behind, that they would know their grandpa loved pretty paintings. He volunteered as an usher for the various performances in Salt Lake City and gained an appreciation for the diverse arts and would excitedly talk about the many performances he attended and loved to share with others.

Mike had a successful sales career where he was at the forefront of networking technology working for companies who would help define the digital world as we know it today. He was constantly learning about the changing world of technology and was excited and in awe of the changes that were taking place and what was in store for the future. He had a love of cooking which took him to obtain a culinary degree. He was always on the lookout for the next dessert he could make for people and developed a habit of buying an excessive number of cookbooks. Later in his life he spent time working at the Lego store where he developed into an AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego).

Mike was a voracious reader and would often read multiple books per week. He took great interest in any interest his children or grandchildren would share with him. He was full of random information gathered over the years and he loved to share articles and various stories with his loved ones on topics they would mention to him. He enjoyed cycling and completed the Ride the Rockies multiple times. He loved to be out hiking in the mountains of Utah and bemoaned the pain in his legs which precluded him from those times in his latter years. He loved to cheer for the Utah Utes and the Denver Broncos in both good times and bad.

In a final act of service, he requested that his body be donated to the University of Utah for the medical students.

He leaves behind his two brothers Bob (Shannon) and Jack (Catherine), his four children Mac, Jim (Carolina), Katie Shirley (Chris), Beth McCarty (Scott) 13 grandchildren, and life-long friend, Pat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ann.

We are so grateful for the kindness shown by the medical professionals these past months. He was particularly grateful for JJ and Shauntel who would come to his home to care for him in his last days and the comfort they brought.

A celebration of life will be taking place on November 2nd.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saltlaketribune/name/mike-christiansen-obituary?id=56344532

 
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09/23/24 01:54 PM #1    

John E. Day

Mike was a good friend as we journeyed through Rosslyn Heights Elemtary School, Hillside Jr. and Highland High.  We lost touch after high school but I have always considered him my friend.  He will be missed.


09/23/24 04:07 PM #2    

Mike K. Richards

I'm so saddened to learn of Mike's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's wife, children, and all of his extended families and friends at this difficult time. I came to know him as a great friend and neighbor when my family moved across the street on Lynnwood drive, and going to Hillside and Highland at the same time. He was always a good, kind guy and I appreciated his friendship. May he rest in peace.

09/24/24 11:40 AM #3    

Greg Whiting

Mike was a kind, compassionate guy. I had the opportunity to know him from Hillside thru Highland. He will be missed.


09/25/24 10:49 AM #4    

Michael Gordon Coulam

Memories of times with good friends flood our minds when those friends pass on. Mike was a good man and a friend. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family at this time, hoping that their memories of Mike will soften their earthly sorrow. 


09/27/24 01:20 PM #5    

Will (C. William) Crowther

Mike lived across the street and a couple of houses down ffrom my parents' place on Lynwood Drive. We were friiends; we played together often growoing up. There were others from Lynwood and nearby streets that played Red Rover, rode bikes, built things in empty fields, etc. in the summer. That was "until the street lights come on." I am sorry to hear of Mike's passing.

 


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