On Friday evening, January 15, 2016, our beloved Michael passed away after a long, courageous battle with addiction. It was a peaceful passing surrounded by his adoring sisters. Michael Vincent Rees was born into this world on July 19, 1985, receiving a joyous reception from his Momma, Dad, and four sisters. Throughout life, he brought happiness to his parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends. He graduated from Skyline High School and attended UVU and Prescott Community College. He served an LDS mission in Atlanta, Georgia and Tacoma, Washington.
Michael's greatest joy was his family and, in particular, his 16 nieces and nephews. He would, and did, drop anything at a moments notice for them. His life was filled with amazing and beautiful music and it was not uncommon for him to share a new song that had touched his heart. Music, from a very young age, was the core of his soul. He loved Lake Powell and family vacations to Cabo. He had a passion for University of Utah football and basketball games, and especially loved attending them with his Dad. These shared experiences were one of the highlights of his life. He cherished friendships and made hundreds of them. His greatest love was his best friend, and soulmate, Melissa Conley.
Michael was a tender spirit and a bright light to those who knew him. With his contagious smile, he melted wounded hearts and brought peace. Through lessons learned from addiction, he taught many and counseled with empathy and wisdom. His gentle, kind nature lives on in our hearts.
We know he fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith according to the best of his ability. We are proud of him for his courage, and hope we can all fight our own trials with the same amount of determination that he displayed. We are sure he will be a guardian angel for many.
Take Flight our beloved son!
There will be time set aside for visitation on Friday, January 22nd, from 6-8pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. Visitation time will continue Saturday morning from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Federal Heights Chapel, 1300 East Fairfax Road (East Avenues). His funeral will follow at 1pm. Interment to take place at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2300 East 1300 South, SLC, UT.
