Michael Don Wride

Michael Don Wride, age 61, passed away on March 7, 2020 at Layton, Utah.  He was surrounded with family and close friends, especially during the final three weeks of his battle with brain cancer. 

Mike was born on August 22, 1958 in Whittier, California to Tom and Elaine Wride.  He moved to Bountiful, Utah when still a small child.  He remained a Utah resident the rest of his life.  

Mike attended Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor's degree in the field of psychology.

From a young age, Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors.  He was active in scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Mike’s father, Tom, taught Mike to ski.  Mike’s love for recreational sports blossomed.  He enjoyed mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking, and golfing – he even scuba dived!  He was an avid gunsman and would go shooting often.  Neighbors in Farmington tell of Mike actually target shooting against the hill in his backyard!

Mike worked many different jobs in his lifetime.  His first job after high school was at Mr. Mac. He drove a loaded van many times between Salt Lake and Idaho Falls as he helped Mac open a new store in Idaho.  Mike worked for a time as a lineman at Bountiful Power while simultaneously working as an EMT.  Mike loved outdoor sports and he loved to shop.  So, it isn’t a surprise that maybe his favorite job was at REI where he was surrounded by outdoor enthusiasts and the latest outdoor sports gear – gear that was available to him at a generous employee discount!     

Mike’s career led him to work as a dedicated public servant for the state of Utah. He began in the Department of Workforce Services where he determined applicant eligibility for assistance benefits.  He was later an administrative law judge where he would oversee hearings when claims would differ with agency rulings.  He changed agencies and worked in the Department of Commerce as a fraud investigator for title VII issues.  Finally, he was an adjudicator for claims on unemployment insurance.

Mike will be remembered for his giving personality.  Yes, he loved to shop.  But, anything he purchased he was willing to share or give away. Friends and family could hardly leave after a visit without receiving some sort of gift – a knife – a watch – or piece of jewelry or collectible. He was kind to all.  He loved to travel.  He visited Edinburgh, Normandy, Glasgow, and Great Britain.  He enjoyed great trips into Mexico with friends.  He was fond of the beaches of Hawaii.  But, later on, he loved to just stay home, spending time with his dog Chili.

Mike was married and divorced twice.  First to Bambi Baker.  Then to Chris Long.  Mike is survived by his father W. Thomas Wride, his siblings Margo Ferrin (Jim) and Rick Wride (Shannon), 3 nieces, 9 nephews, and countless friends.  He was predeceased by his mother Elaine Wride and his sister Janene Groll (Tracy). 

Mike was a good friend to many through his life.  Perhaps it was his genuine interest and concern for them, or his humble acceptance of others without judgement.  The result was that he enjoyed many close friendships.  He travelled with friends.  He golfed with friends.  And his friends gathered around him and supported him throughout his life, even right up until the end.  Clarence the angel from “It’s a Wonderful Life” said “No man is a failure who has friends.”  By this measure, Mike was a rich man!   

Mike and his family are grateful to the wonderful staff of the Intermountain Layton Hospital.  The ICU and Hospice staff cared for Mike with genuine love, concern, and professionalism.  We are also grateful for the many friends and neighbors who have been so supportive.

A memorial service will be held for Mike at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah on Saturday morning, March 21, 2020 at 10:00 AM.  A viewing will be held at the mortuary prior to services from 9-9:45 a.m.  Interment will follow the service at the Bountiful Lakeview Cemetery at 1640 East Lakeview Drive in Bountiful, Utah.