Michael James Hales

Michael James Hales passed away in his home surrounded by family on the morning of July 4th, 2023. He was born April 8th, 1950 in Orem, Utah to Keith Ivan Hales and Ruth Bird Hales. He was raised and lived most of his life in Sandy, Utah where he graduated from Jordan High School and married his high school sweetheart whom he called "little one". He had two sisters and one brother (David Hales, Marge (John)
Visser and Cherie Lynnette Hales). He is survived by his wife Wendy Hales and his son Nick (Steven Patey) Hales, Marge (John) Visser, and three grandchildren - Kolten (Megan) Smith, Skylar Smith, and Jacob Bringhurst. He also had two great-grandchildren - Theo Smith and Evie Smith

My dad was truly an amazing and rare person in the world. You always knew where you stood with him. He was loyal almost to a fault in some instances in life. He loved his two children and missed his daughter in the last years of his life. Life can deal you some hard experiences, but he was resilient.

He enjoyed a good Western movie as well as any documentary about World War II or anything about our human history. He had a great sense of humor in the bluntest ways and was an avid social critic. His comedic shenanigans were definitely counterculture. Very endearing once you got to know him. He held that humor through his final days, even when he was so sick with metastatic cancer. I will miss my dad. He was one of my best friends. I loved him so much and he also drove me crazy sometimes with his curmudgeon ways. Again, I will miss you Dad – Love, Nick

I remember the first time I met Mike. It was the summer before I was to start my sophomore year. His dark hair and blue eyes! I was smitten and hit by a lightning bolt. His smile was inviting and friendly. By my senior year of high school, we were serious, and I knew we would be together then and forever. There was never anyone else but him and I'll love him forever- Wendy.

I will treasure the time we spent together. I know that you had a lovely family reunion in Heaven with your parents, my mom and David, along with all those have passed before you. All my love Uncle Mike. Love Your "Billiard Ball".

Uncle Mike was the "Cool Uncle" to his nephews and nieces. His love of Martial Arts, Hunting, Reloading and the outdoors were the source of his many interesting stories. Even as we grew up he kept his "Coolness" but his stories turned to information we needed in our journey through life. He was always there to answer question and give honest advise. There was no sugar coating it with him and it was always admirable to me. Uncle Mike will be missed dearly but should we meet again I hope it is on a hillside watching the animals and listening to more of his adventures. - Daymon

My dearest brother. Words will never be said for how much I’m going to miss you. My love for you is the best a little sister can give her brother. You kept me safe on many occasions and loved Daymon and our family. Thank you! You always had a funny to tell and make everyone laugh. You’ll never know how much I love you and appreciate you for all you have done for me and I’m proud to have a brother like you. I love you now and forever. Love, Marge

There will be a viewing and celebration of life on July 12, 2023, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092.

Friends and extended family viewing and life celebration: Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 6 pm to 7 pm. Just prior to 7 pm Saesha Vissor will perform a viola solo - Claire de lune.

There will be a graveside burial on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 3 pm to 3:30 pm located at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

Dad always said, "There's no reason to wait around for me, I know where I'm going."

Our family wishes to express gratitude and thanks to all who so freely gave their support to help Dad in his final days.