Michael William Spence, age 59, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and counselor, died May 22∏ 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by family from complications due to Acute Interstitial Pneumonia. Mike was born August 7, 1956 in Salt Lake City to Carol Jean Spence and Charles Olmstead Spence.
Mike grew up in the Sugarhouse area and attended Highland High School. He served an LDS mission to the Southern States in Georgia. He married his sweetheart and "soulmate", Michelle Sprunt, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on March 14, 1980. He especially looked forward to spending many quiet evenings with her talking or watching their favorite shows. They have three children and three grandchildren that Mike loved very much. He enjoyed attending their games and going on fun family vacations to Hawaii, Mexico, Yellowstone and Disneyland.
Among Mike's greatest interests were his love of collecting antique cars and automotive and petroleum memorabilia, a hobby he shared with his father throughout the years. He, his father, and various family members enjoyed going to Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada to collect car memorabilia. Mike's antique cars are evidence of his love for the automotive industry, history and his pursuit for perfection. Mike loved to work, to serve, and to fish. Mike's annual fly-fishing trips to Yellowstone National Park with his father and his son, a tradition that continued every July for 33 years, will continue in memoriam for all time.
A Mark Twain quote exemplifies Mike's style - "Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile."
Mike was dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all that he did. Mike strived for perfection, but never lost sight of practical applications. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Finance from the University of Utah in 1982 and a law degree, with an emphasis on business, debtor and creditor and commercial law, from the University of Utah in 1985. Mike began his legal career with the law firm of Scalley and Reading for fourteen years where he served as the firm's managing partner for six. Mike also served as a Judge Pro Tem in the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake City from 1993-1996.
Mike fulfilled the pinnacle of his legal career with the law firm of Ray Quinney and Nebeker P.C. where he was the consummate "rain-maker", professional, advisor and counselor to his partners, assistants and staff. Mike joined Ray Quinney and Nebeker P.C. as a Director and Shareholder in 1999. He served as Chairman of Ray Quinney and Nebeker's Business Law Section and itsBusiness Development Committeefrom 1999 to 2004, and then as Chairman of the firm's Automobile Dealer Law Practice Group. Mike served on the firm's Executive Committee for over twelve years, managing all aspects of the firm's business. His advice and counsel, leadership and organization, respect and loyalty to his partners and friends at Ray Quinney and Nebeker P.C. is evidenced by his contributions to the firm's continued success and strength for over 75 years.
Mike's analytical skills, creativity, precision, problem solving and responsiveness were sought after by numerous clients. Mike was a giant among the legal profession with the highest reputation for excellence, honesty and integrity among his peers in the bar, from those on the bench, and throughout all of the community. Mike was named as one of The Best Lawyers in America in Corporate Law, and was repeatedly voted by his peers throughout the State of Utah as one of Utah's "Legal Elite,"as published in Utah Business Magazine. Mike was dedicated to winning cases, closing deals, and making or saving money for one of his clients.
Mike was well-known as the automobile dealer lawyer throughout the state, region, and nation, and he counts automobile dealers among his closest friends. Mike was a dedicated member of the New Car Dealers of Utah, Utah's Automobile Dealers Association. Mike's love for cars enabled him to excel in the automotive industry, and his expertise was sought after by automobile dealers, manufacturers, and trade associations. Mike negotiated transactions with, and litigated for dealers against, motor vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and numerous others.
Mike served on the board of directors and the executive committee of Friends for Sight which is an organization he was passionate about. He was a member of the Utah chapter of Certified Commercial Investment Member, serving as the first emcee for the trade association's inaugural Excellence Awards.
Mike dressed for success, rarely seen without the finest suits, shoes, ties, braces (suspenders), tie-pins and cuff links.
Mike served in numerous capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in several bishoprics, including as Bishop of the Willowcreek 6th Ward. Most recently, Mike was a teacher in his High Priest Group and a youth Sunday School teacher. Mike loved the people he served, who in turn loved him for his compassionate and dedicated service and his unique and straightforward way of teaching. One of Mike's greatest strengths was his sincere desire to care for, administer to, and to promote others. Mike responded to the call on numerous occasions to strengthen, buoy and run to the rescue of others.
Mike had an enjoyable sense of humor, enjoyed engaging with people and telling jokes and stories. We will remember his laughter, love of people, service to others, and joy for life. Mike is survived by his wife, Michelle; his daughter, Kristie (R. Scotty) Deeds, Sandy, Utah; two sons, Jon Spence, Sandy, Utah, and Brad Spence, Salt Lake City, Utah; his brother Chuck (Kaye) Spence, Riverton, Utah; and his sister Deborah (Jeff) Kitchen, Salt Lake City, Utah; three grandchildren, Brady Deeds, Kailee Deeds and Jace Deeds. Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Spence, and by his father, Charles Olmstead Spence. Mike developed a brotherly love for his dear friend, Keyvan Keyvani, to whom we give special thanks for his round the clock loving care for Mike during the last weeks of his life. The family would also like to give special thanks to the Shock Trauma ICU staff at IMC for their loving care towards Mike and his family the last few weeks of his life. Mike's countless acts of love and kindness to others resulted in many cherished friendships. We thank you for your love and concern for Mike.
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
As written by Paul Anka, and popularized by Frank Sinatra.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Granite View Stake Center, 9880 S. 3100 E. Sandy, Utah. Viewings will be Tuesday evening, May 31, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah and Wednesday morning at the church prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment: Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Friends for Sight at 661 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, the American Lung Association, or to another charity.
