Michael Sean Lancaster, a most beautiful and precious soul, has passed away. One light that was never thought to have the capacity to burn out, unfortunately has taken its leave but will never dim. Mike was born in Sacramento, California to loving parents Maren Jefferies and Charles William Lancaster in 1976. (The world will never be the same.)
Coming to Utah around the age of 3, Michael would fall in love with the outdoors soon after. As a kid, Mike was glued to the hip of his father Charles. Everything that was of interest to his dad, Mike would take a fond attachment to as well. This included aviation and an amazing connection to nature that he would then hold onto for the rest of his life. The following years would be filled with normal occurrences including teenage fun and mischief with his ‘boys’, but never was the sense of love and companionship lost. Many loved the company he would bring, keeping the room on the lighter side with laughter and love; this would be proven time again and again.
Mike founded a collector’s club -Tobacco Pipe Collectors (TPC) - known globally for the empathetic views towards its viewers, patrons, clients, and their respected level. An excerpt from the 2014 “Pipes and Tobacco” magazine catalog reads that, “It’s impressive that gravity alone is able to keep him stuck to the planet. You could launch a Saturn V rocket with this guy’s energy”, a remarkable quote for a remarkable man. He would keep that energy with him wherever he went.
Mike was not just great to be around but was also an amazing worker. He started working for Murray City when he was 16 and worked there until 2014. He took off to do what he loved, including visiting with others in the pipe community and spending time with his Aunt Denise and Uncle Mitch in Mendicino, CA. He then moved onto West Valley City from 2015 until the time of his death.
Mike, along with his two much loved children, Sophia Emma and Michael Chase, would spend as much time together as they could and whenever they could, enjoying anything from hiking to downtown adventures, and simple family time. There were also two bonus children that Mike would help raise and treat as his own, Quincy and Blake. Michael loved and was loved, immensely.
Towards the end of his priceless journey that was his life, he would meet the love of his life, Hope. Every minute of every hour was spent and endured together. When one was near, the other was not too far away.
Mike was never known to complain about his situation, no matter how hard the time he was going through was. Despite all the best efforts of everyone, including Dr. Gill, the hospital staff (the best nurses and doctors), Mike would be taken from us far too soon on April 11th, 2023, from Melanoma cancer. He would fight until his last breath surrounded by the ones he held dearest in this world.
Mike is survived by his wife Hope, his beautiful children, parents Charles and Maren Lancaster, brother Neal (Judi) Lancaster and sister Jill (Andy) Markus. Preceded in death by his grandparents Charles and Mildred Lancaster, William Martin, and Lucile Jeffries.
The family thanks everyone who loved and cared for Mike and is extending a warm welcome to anyone who would love to join Mike in his ceremony of life services. The viewing and funeral will take place at the Larkin Mortuary in Riverton (3688 West 12600 South Riverton, Utah). The viewing will be held prior to the funeral services beginning at 10:30 a.m. The funeral ceremony will commence at 12:00 p.m. with burial following at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery (1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) Sandy, Utah).
Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously streamed services, please click the “Watch Services” link above.
To our friend, husband, son, father, brother, angel, and greatest confidant Michael Sean Lancaster - You will be forever missed and eternally loved.
To the Lancaster family. Been many years since we have seen any of you. We are sorry for your loss of such a great kid.
Mike was a very special guy and i will miss him deeply.I met him through the pipe community back in 2010ish ( can’t remember exactly). We quickly became close buds and eventually business partners in Tobacco Pipe Collectors. He even stayed at my house for a few weeks while on his great California adventure and then again on an other trip out here years after. He was and still is the easiest house guest I’ve ever had. While on his last visit, he eyed a pipe i had made, “The Shmoo” from the old Lil Abner comics in the 40s. He fell in love with it. It was a silly pipe but he looked at it almost like a pet, so i lent it to him indefinitely :) Mike always found joy in ridiculous and childish things and especially in simple moments. This is where we found kinship i suppose. I remember we filmed a funny “ice bucket challenge” YouTube video while he was here as well. I still watch it today for laughs. Over the past few years we had fewer and fewer conversations as Mike stepped away from social media to spend more time with Sophia and Chase. I always admired him for his dedication to family. I always thought we would get a second crack at TPC and we spoke at great length about it in recent years. I send notice to the pipe community of his passing after I found out a few days ago and was stunned at how many of our old buddies came out the woodwork. Hundreds of well wishes, toasts, dedications , stories, and condolences to the family were posted. All of us were very shocked. He was a tough cookie and I know he didn’t want anyone to worry about him (easiest house guest syndrome :) . I always thought I’d get a chance to link up again and I suppose that’s what most of us left behind always say. I’m just happy he was surrounded by family during this tough time and I know he loved you all very much. He influenced a generation of pipe smokers and will be forever integral to the history of our hobby. If the family every needs anything, feel free to reach out. Our community is here to help in any way we can. The service was beautiful and I think Mike would be pleased. May your grief pass quickly and Mikes memory last forever.❤️
We hung out in high school alot and he was a great guy my sincerest condolences
Hope and Q. I am so sorry! Wish I was there to give you both big hugs!!
Love you!
Oh I am lost for words, Hope I am so sorry for your loss. You both were so happy together, made for each other, perfect fit! WTF!!! CANCER SUCKS!!!! Love always.
Mike had a huge heart and loved animals in need. Frankie sends his love Mike. We all send our love to you and to Hope.
An admirable man I communicated with over the pond, and one who'll remain on my thoughts, I still have the gifts Mike sent me years ago, may you rest peacefully man, much love to the family and friends, my recall of him will be forever with affection and respect.
AD
I only had the pleasure of meeting Mike in person once. But he made a big impression on everyone he met. I knew him mainly through online communities, and his impact is felt worldwide by the many who knew him.
We met, like so many pipers, via YouTube and became fast friends. I’m glad I was able to hang at several pipe shows with you (Vegas and Chicago). Damn, we had fun! I still have my TPC Lifelong Member card and have no plans on getting rid of it. So many of us will remember you fondly as we pack and light our pipes. I’m going to miss your video sign-off, and I’ll say it to you as I end here… “Sweet Smokes” -Leejen
I offer my deepest condolences to Michael's family; I am so sorry for your loss.
I didn't know Mike personally, but wanted everyone to know that this generous man sent me a pipe when I was deployed to Iraq out of the goodness of his heart. This man really cared about people and loved his family. I always enjoyed his humor and appreciation of avant garde pipes. My condolences to his friends and family, he was a tremendous person and will be missed dearly by all. See you on the flip side Mike, Sweet Smokes.
Anyone who knew Mike was lucky. He was such a sweet soul. He made my friend so happy and when Mike was around we all had fun for sure!!! .My deepest condolences to his beautiful family .. I wish we didn't have to meet under these circumstances but it was sure nice talking and getting to know you. I know Mike is taken care of up RIH
Going to miss you Mike. I can't really think of all my years going on scout campouts with you there with your contagious laugh not busting us all up :) Haven't seen you in years and I'm sad for that, but I'm glad to know that you aren't in pain and suffering any longer. Prayers to your family that you leave behind - the wait to be reunited with your dad, husband, brother, son, etc. might be longer than any of us would like, but I promise that in that day of reuniting, all we've been through will be worth it!
RIP Mike.