Michael Bruce Coles passed away unexpectedly at home on May 16 in Layton, Utah. He was loved by family and friends and left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He will be sorely missed, but remembered by all as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.
Mike was born on October 25, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Laurie Bruce “Mike” Coles and Mary Lou Hansen Coles. He grew up in Salt Lake City on the Avenues as the oldest of four children. As a young man, Mike served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Stockholm, Sweden from 1974 to 1976.
Upon returning from his missionary service, Mike met the love of his life, Marn Senior. They were married on June 16th, 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised four children with one eternal child, Kristen, who passed away at birth. Family meant everything to Mike. As a father, he was regularly attending or coaching his children’s sports teams. He always made himself available to support them. As a grandfather, he continued his dedicated support by attending games, concerts, plays, and many other events of his 14 grandchildren. He made time for each one of them individually, and they knew he loved them dearly.
Mike had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed camping with family and backpacking trips with his sons and grandsons. He passed on his love for the outdoors by sharing his skills learned through scouting. He served many years in the Boy Scout program influencing many. In recognition for his lifetime of achievement in scouting, Mike was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2015. Mike was the definition of a true Scout and lived the principles of scouting in his daily life. Besides camping, Mike was most happy with Marn by his side doing just about anything, including biking, hiking, kayaking, and traveling the world together.
Mike will always be remembered for his willingness to serve others. He spent countless hours helping his children, neighbors, and friends. He would drop anything to spend time helping them. He also loved to serve in the Church. Throughout his life, he held numerous callings and leadership positions. Most recently Mike had been serving as a counselor in his Stake Presidency and previously as Bishop in a Young Single Adult ward. The Young Single Adults impacted Mike and Marn tremendously and will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Mike and Marn also enjoyed serving in the temple helping others come closer to the Savior. They always worked together no matter the responsibility. Together, they could accomplish anything.
Mike is survived by his wife, Marn, of 44 years, his children Katie (Jason), Kyle (Erin), Kris (Jacee), and Karlie (Scott); his mother Mary Lou Coles, his brother Scott and two sisters Laurie and Michelle, and his 14 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Kristen and his father Mike Coles.
Funeral services will be held in his honor at 11:00 am on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Holmes Creek Stake Building, 125 Chapel Street Layton, UT 84041. Viewings will be held the preceding night Sunday, May 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the same location and prior to the Monday funeral service from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Interment at Wasatch Lawn.
I had the privilege to serve with Mike on Wednesday nights at the Bountiful Temple. He always came with an infectious smile and desire to serve. Mike is one of the most Christ-like men I have ever known. He will be sorely missed.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, but so grateful to have known him. He was a great example to me as a young man growing up in his neighborhood. Love and prayers to his family.
Marn. My heart breaks for u. Prayers and much love as u endure Mikes passing.
Dear Marn and family,
My heart hurts for all of you. I pray that you will feel the Saviors love at this most difficult and tender time. Cherish your memories of Mike and remember he is very close by. With deepest sympathy, Marci T Steffensen
Sweet Marn, words cannot express my sorrow in your behalf. You are such a lovely couple, and I have a such a sweet memory of you both making those fun candy canes together. That was just one small gesture of the mini thousands of things that you have done for other people. I pray you would be blessed with love, comfort, and peace during this very tender time. Love and hugs from Annette Hemsley.
Marn and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. When Marn and I worked together in Dr Salmons office, Mike would visit from time to time. He was always cheerful and kind. And boy, did he adore Marn! He still acted like he had a huge crush on her! It was the sweetest. His legacy lives on in all of his wonderful family and friends. Prayers and lots of love from Wisconsin.
I just learned of Brother Cole's passing. I am so sorry and send my love to the family. I enjoyed working with him so much recently on the Stake Primary Temple Project and will always remember his cheerful attitude and supportive demeanor. He will be sorely missed. May God bless you with the peace that comes from the gospel that we know and love.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Marn
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful man and you always felt his love and support.
Hugs ❤️
For years, Mike was our home teacher. He played the "Faith Game" with my children more times than I can count. He showed us all that the Gospel is not only meaningful and impactful, but also joyful. Our love to your family at this time, along with our deepest sympathies.
Marn,
Our hearts are broken losing Mike so unexpectedly. Such a good guy; a friend who will so missed. Lots of love to you, Marn.
We are so sorry for the sudden passing of your husband, father, uncle, brother, and grandfather. President Coles was a amazing example and he will be missed, but his influence will be felt for a long time, and families are forever.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Coles. He has been such a blessing in our lives, more than we can express. Our love and prayers are with your family at this time.
Dear Marn and family, we send hugs and prayers for all of you. We hope you will find peace as you treasure the wonderful memories you made as a family. We have lots of fun memories of you and Mike. You have always been such good examples of living the gospel and serving when needed. Love to you all not only now but in the future as you adjust to this big change.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Mike was a wonderful friend, with whom I had not interacted for quite some time.
Marin,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember how very kind he was. I have such sweet memories of the both of you. Love to you all during this difficult time.
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We send our love ❤️ and prayers to you sweet Marn and your family at this tender time.
To the entire Coles family-
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I'm so sorry. I was thinking about all of our little league football days having your dad as our coach and being on the same team with Mike. Not to mention all the fun and memorable hours I spent at your house. I hope you will smile when you think back on the fond memories you shared with him and as you reflect on everything he taught you. I'm sorry I can't make it to his memorial service but please know I will be thinking of all of you. I will miss him!
Love to you all.
Mike
To the entire Coles family-
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I'm so sorry. I was thinking about all of our little league football days having your dad as our coach and being on the same team with Mike. Not to mention all the fun and memorable hours I spent at your house. I hope you will smile when you think back on the fond memories you shared with him and as you reflect on everything he taught you. I'm sorry I can't make it to his memorial service but please know I will be thinking of all of you. I will miss him!
Love to you all.
Mike
Dear Marn and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Lane and I were remembering that the day of Lane’s brother’s funeral, we came home to a freshly mowed lawn…compliments of Mike.
May you be comforted during this difficult time of separation and may all the sweet memories of him bring you peace in the months to come. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lane and Karen Heder
I have just learned of Mike’s sudden passing…I am so sad! Marn, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Mike was one in a million and a dear friend. I pray you will be comforted during this difficult time. May the Lord’s choicest blessings be poured down upon you!
President Cole’s is one of the greatest men we have ever known. His Christ-Like example touched our hearts greatly. He sincerely cared about others. He ALWAYS made time for the one. He served with tremendous love and genuine concern for others. We loved to watch how he treated his eternal companion. Always a gentleman,.
The two of them are a shining example to everyone. Dear Sisters Coles, we love you and your family. We are deeply saddened and offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. We will strive each day to be more like your amazing husband. Our hero and friend.
With great love
Vance and Louenda Downs
I am Mikey's cousin. I am just 2 years older than Mike and only "actively" knew Mike right up until we were about 10 years old. He was only ever Mikey to me. My mother Beverly ('Pat") Coles is the younger sister of MIke's dad. I tried hard to stay in contact with Mike and Mary Lou throughout my life and often went to visit them during visits to SLC. On my last visit just before Mike passed away I was thrilled to see that he recognized me as soon as I walked into the room. My parents and Mike's parents were best friends as newly weds and when they both had young children, Scott, Laurie and Michelle will probably remember us coming to visit and stay in the family home up atop the Avenues. Mikey and Scott and Doug and Tim matched up. pretty well age wise and in our looks and we got along great. Throughout my life I have always lamented not ever connecting with Mike later in life. I am sure we will have time in the next life to catch up.
I just finished listening to the funeral service for Mike. It was beautiful and was a great tribute to an obvious wonderful husband and father and grandfather. I was touched by many things about his life and was thrilled and uplifted to hear that he lived a life full of the love of the Savior in all the important ways. I had two take aways that stood out above the rest... First, Mike Bruce Coles always came to the rescue and to those in need. I recently gave a talk about how the Savior will always come in our lives when we need him most, even as He did to the disciples on the stormy Sea of Galilee, albeit on the "fourth watch" in the early morning. It was clear to me that in this most important way, Mike Coles emulated the Savior in this way and I am sure in many other ways. Second, I hope all of my daughters could and would stand up and say with obvious gratitude... "I am his living legacy!" That speaks volumes about the loving home and sacred teachings received from covenant parents. May the Lord bless you today and in the coming difficult weeks and years as you continue to rely on the love and teachings of son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. You have our deepest condolences at the sacred moment in life.
BTW, the fourteen grandchildren were magnificent and I have penciled that into my funeral service someday.
Like the rest who knew Mike, we were shocked to learn of his passing. Marn, you and Mike were so respected as the ideal couple in our Sandy ward. So many great experiences and our serving together. Although he didn’t suffer, Marn, you and the family must be heart broken. It just isn’t fair not to be able to do all you can do to prepare and to help him in his great need. However, it’s a blessing to not watch him suffer in lengthy pain or medical procedures. Our hearts and prayers are with you Marn in your personal loss and sadness. We’d have loved to have been with you on Monday just to hug you and let you know of our respect for the two of you.
Sister Coles. We were shocked to hear of your sweet husband’s passing. Our hearts reach out to you at this very tender time. I loved seeing you together at the Temple! You were a beautiful! Joy - filled couple. We send our love and wish we had known him better. We know you and that tells us a lot about him in such positive ways. May you find peace and comfort as you move forward. Much love, Ted and Charlotte
We were shocked to hear about Mike‘s passing and so sad to hear of that. Mareen, you and Mike have been wonderful to me and to Rachel and especially to Brett. I want you to know how much we love you and appreciate all that you do for us and for all those around you. We hope you can fine joy in every day and as you think of the wonderful times you shared together. He will be watching over you.
I am sadden to hear of the death of Mike. We grew up on the avenues together, Played little league baseball on the same team. and church ball on opposing teams. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 50th year high school reunion this year. He will be missed.