Michael Scott Dent prematurely and unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday May 23, 2018. Born October 13, 1990 to Gaylord and Sharon Dent in Sandy, Utah, he made many friends throughout the course of his life.
Michael leaves behind: his mother Sharon; his children Tanner and Bailey; his brother Jeff (Emily); his sisters Jennifer and Rachel (Shaun); his grandmother Marlene; his grandfather Richard; his nieces and nephews Elsa, Raylan, Kelcie, Christopher, Jonathan, Jameson, and Evelyn; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. In passing he is reunited with his father Gaylord.
Michael had a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spoke many times of its importance to him. He was devoted to all those that he loved: his friends, his family, and most of all his children.
To say that Michael loved music would be an understatement. He enjoyed sharing this passion with just about everyone who knew him. Whether it was a new song or an old favorite, few things brought him more joy than sharing music with others. This love of music also led to his love of, and skill at, playing the piano. Having mastered many of the ragtime classics passed down by his grandmother, he could often be found sitting at the piano sharing his talent with his family.
Game night was a frequent and favorite pastime. Whether it was board games or video games, he was always excited to play games with his family, and though he could rarely be beaten, he always made it so much fun that you hardly realized you were losing. His sense of humor was infectious, and often led to some incredibly good-natured silly behavior. Those moments will never be forgotten.
From all the times he spent dancing with his mother when she couldn't find a partner, to all the times he spent playing frisbee, hiking, and camping with his family and friends, you would never find someone who was happier to simply spend time with those he loved, regardless of the activity.
Michael loved nothing more than his children Tanner and Bailey. They were a source of endless joy for him. Some of their fondest memories of him were when he went to Lagoon with them, the many times he went to Snowbird with them, or even when they simply got to stay up late playing with him.
Michael was an affectionate man who impacted the lives of all those who knew him. His relationships with his mother, sisters, Jennifer and Rachel, and his niece Kelcie meant a great deal to both him and them. He will never be forgotten by all those who knew and loved him.
A private visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Tuesday, May 29 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy.
Our family asks that you spend time with your children, siblings, parents, or friends—play a game, go on a hike, or share some music and candy. That is what Michael would want.
