Michael Harold Mahaffey passed away on November 11, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He died from causes incident to bladder cancer. Michael was an extraordinary man, a rare breed. Those who knew him described him as a man of great integrity, a loving husband and father, an exceptional employer, charming, quick-witted, hardworking and a damn good cook. He had a big, deep and diverse intellect with piercing insights. He exuded positive energy and always had a twinkle in his eye.
Michael was born to Daniel Eugene Mahaffey and Mary Gautier Mahaffey in Rochester NY, on May 3, 1953, the youngest of three children. He talked fondly of his great adventures growing up in upstate New York and Bushnell Basin. As much as he loved his NY home, his sense of adventure called to him and being an avid bicycle rider, he got on his bike and rode from the East to the West coast, passing through SLC. The lure of the beautiful mountains, deserts and skiing in Utah were irresistible to him and in 1978, he made Salt Lake City his home. A skilled builder with a keen interest in history, he founded Home-Tech, Inc. a general contracting firm that specialized in renovation and remodeling of older and historic buildings and homes. Since 1983, the company grew, amassing a portfolio of excellent work on beautiful homes throughout the area. He received awards from the Utah Heritage Foundation and the Utah State Historic Preservation Office for The Wattis Home, an Ogden home on the Utah Historic Registry. He served on the Utah Heritage Foundation Board of Trustees since 2000, and was named Trustee of the Year in 2012 for his dedicated and exemplary service to the organization.
He loved the out-of-doors. He rafted many a river, the Grand Canyon and Main Fork of the Salmon among his favorites. He rode his bike incessantly, hiked, golfed, fished and had a beautiful vegetable garden. In addition he was a volunteer host at Brighton Ski Resort and "thought it was the best volunteer job anyone could ever have." He participated in the Huntsman Senior Games for several years taking home many medals as the cyclist for the team triathlon.
Of all his accomplishments and joys in life he said his greatest were marrying his wife, Sherri Evershed and having two beautiful children Emily Rose and John Michael Mahaffey. They were the loves of his life. They had such great fun together.
Michael is survived by his wife and children, sister, Liz Mahaffey, brother, Daniel Eugene Jr. (Brenda) Mahaffey of White GA, god-daughter and special niece Elise Hose and many adoring brothers\ and sisters\ in-law, nieces, nephews, friends and loyal employees.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents in-law (Bob and Dorothy Evershed) and his dogs, Shadow and Mohawk.
Ride with the wind our dear Michael and know that our loss is enormous. We all love you. You had a great ride and a life well lived.
Memorial services will be held, Saturday, November 21, 2015, at 1:30 pm, at the Wasatch Presbyterian Church, 1626 South 1700 East. There will be a visitation from 12:30 to 1:30 pm prior to services at the church. Following services there will be a gathering for all with food and drink at The Memorial House in Memory Grove, 375 North Canyon Road (120 E.) from 4 to 6 pm.
Contributions in Michael's honor can be made to the Michael Mahaffey Legacy Fund at Utah Heritage Foundation. www.utahheritagefoundation.org
Floral arrangements may be sent to Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary.
