Surrounded by his loving wife and family, Michael William McKendrick returned home to his Heavenly Father on November 12, 2022 at the age of 83. Born on June 19, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Pat and Clara McKendrick, Mike lived a full and wonderful life.
After graduating from South High School, he attended UCLA, where he studied prosthetics. This gave him the opportunity to work with his parents, making artificial limbs for amputees at their family-owned business, Artificial Limbs, Inc. for over 40 years. He married his sweetheart, Joyce Cochrane, on May 19, 1967. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple eight years later and were happily married for fifty-five years.
Mike also worked for the Inn at Temple Square in the maintenance department for ten years before he retired. He also served in many capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a Bishop, Bishopric Counselor, Young Men's President, Ward Clerk, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group leader, and a Stake High Council member. One of his most cherished experiences was working at the recommend desk for the Salt Lake Temple.
Some of his many joys were playing the piano, fishing and camping, admiring nature, bowling, and working on cars; for he was an all-around fix-it guy. He was fond of the cats and dogs; he had as pets his entire life. Western movies were his favorites, especially ones with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood in them. He loved spending time with (and teasing) his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all whom he cherished very much.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Cochrane McKendrick, and his children: Diane (BJ) Holder, Maureen (Thom) Braga, Daniel (Mackenzie) McKendrick, Linda Burrage, Donna (Kerry) Murdock, and foster daughter Tanya Jolley; and his twelve grandchildren.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Roderick “Pat” and Clara McKendrick, his brother Robert Vance Larsen, his sisters Betty Jean Larsen VanWagenen, JoAnne Larsen Cheney, and Sharon McKendrick, and his grandchildren: Casey and Clarisse Braga, and Isaac McKendrick.
We would like to thank Fairfield Village Rehab for getting our dad home after some heart issues, and Atlas Hospice for their kind and loving care before his passing.
An evening viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple) on Thursday, November 17th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. On Friday, November 18 a viewing will be held prior to the funeral service at the ward house (225 W 500 N, Salt Lake City) from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 at the same location. The interment will take place at the Salt Lake City Cemetery at 2:30 PM. For those desiring to view the recorded services, please click the blue “Watch Services” button above.
We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts.
Mike is my cousin. We grew up together where we terrorized the Avenues on our bikes. In all the 76+ years we knew each other, we never had a cross word. I am honired to have been his friend.
I will always be his “dizzy little redhead “!
He will always be my Favorite Uncle!
Uncle Mike was: kind, loving, full of wisdom and one of the biggest teasers! He often said his nieces and nephews were like his younger siblings. We were so blessed and grateful to have this giant of a man who was our strong, faithful, talented teddy bear to always be there for us! Dear wonderful man, you will be tenderly missed from this day until we can all meet you at Heavens door.
Until then we will be remembering your divine love, and many wonderful stories!
I love the McKendrick family! God bless you all with peace and love! 💕😢💕
Rest in peace my cousin. Our fathers, Pat and Don, were brothers. You and your father accomplished much good in life making artificial limbs for others. I miss the family reunions we attended as kids. So until we meet again, may God bless and keep you.
Dear McKENDRICK Cousins & Family~
I'm Uncle Dons daughter. So very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I remember Uncle Pat & Auntie Clara at family reunions & such. Mike & Joyce we’re not far behind. It has been quite a long time since I’ve seen them; last time was in 1988 at my fathers graveside service & hospitality afterwards. Please accept my condolences and prayers. May you find comfort and healing in the “God of all comfort”. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. Much love, Betty Ann McKendrick
Sherry called me this morning, Joyce, I am so sorry to hear the news, I knew he wasn't well, but still it is something hard to go through when losing a loved one. I hope to be able to come to the Funeral, but not sure I can leave Jay that long. And would like to find someone to come with me. I haven't driven to S.L. for quite some time. Love you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Kay
Mike made my legs for most of my life. He is a huge reason I have been able to live a normal life. I will always be grateful to him. Also for his kindness and sense of humor. He was a great man. I am sorry for your loss.
So sorry. We heard that he was not well and his passing was not a surprise. I know it will be difficult for the family and our prayers are with all of you
Dear Joyce and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband , father and grandfather, Mike was an amazing man and loved by many, he had accomplished so many wonderful achievements in his life time, being a husband and father, so glad we had a chance to see him in July for an early Birthday celebration. You two have lived a wonderful life together and will be together again someday. Joyce so grateful you have your family close to you so you can keep all your memories and good times close to your hearts. Love you, our family sends you all our love.
Mike many years ago was the man who helped my grandfather make his prosthetic arm. But I didn’t find this out until I had been friends with Maureen and Thom for years and randomly been talking about our families. I never thought it was coincidence that god allowed our paths to cross. We were very close to this sweet family when we were starting our own little family ourselves. Mikes kind demeanor was calming in so many ways, but his laughter and humor was my favorite. He really loved to make people smile and brighten their day with a random dad joke out of no where. I have no doubt he is in heaven shaking hands with my grandpa and hugging on his sweet grand babies he longed to know on earth. May you Rest In Peace and continue to surround your family with your love with little reminders they will recognize until you meet again!
Sending love to Aunt Joyce and my cousins,I lived Uncle Mike, he has always been a great example of serving those around him. Always so willing to help others happily! I have so many memories of hearing his beautiful piano playing. I’m certain he is a favorite Uncle to many! I can only think that he had a great reunion in heaven as he was greeted by Grandma and Grandpa and his other family members! Love you Uncle Mike!