Our beloved father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, and uncle – Michael Ray Patterson – sweetly passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, July 11, 2021. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, and he has been called home to heaven where his father, mother, sister, and other relatives are now having a glorious reunion.

Mike was born May 2, 1954, in Cedar City, Utah, to his parents, Clark Andrew Patterson and Cleo Barbara Park Patterson. He was the youngest of three: Cecelia, being the oldest; and Lynn, being the middle child. They lived in Beaver, Utah, in a small two-bedroom home, until they moved to Provo, Utah, when Mike was young. Growing up, Mike loved to take things apart and put them back together again. He could fix anything! He had a brilliant mind for tinkering and was a mathematical wiz. He didn’t care to play on sports teams, like most boys his age. He was content to fix things. He Loved muscle cars (anything super fast . . .  he loved speed!), camping, hunting, fishing and being with his dad, mom, sister, and brother.

He met the love of his life, Mary Christensen, and a couple years later they were married in the Manti Utah Temple on May 21, 1976. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Kristen, into the world on June 30, 1977. On March 9, 1996, Kristen married Daren Herring. Mike finally had a son! Daren was worth the wait. Mike and Daren had an amazing father/son relationship, and it was a blessing for our entire family. They did everything together.

On June 7, 2009, Brighton Herring was born, and Mike became a grandpa. He was the best grandpa ever! He waited forever to be a grandpa, and Mike’s family was now complete.

Mike loved his family and others so much. He lived a life of servitude, which made him the best example of how Love really is. He was the first one anyone would call to help them with any form of problems that came into their lives. Mike would NEVER hesitate to help. He would always be there. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. He was the greatest man on the planet! He loved to hunt, fish, camp, and ride ATV’s . He loved to explore the outdoors. He spent a lot of time doing those things with his family. Many trips were taken to Beaver Canyon, Montana, and the Tetons in Wyoming. He felt at peace being in the mountains. He always wanted to share these amazing experiences with his greatest treasures: his family. Mike was the family jokester and always made us laugh and have a “perma-grin” on our faces.

He was a Master Honda Technician and service manager for many years; and, owned his own landscaping business; then ended his work career at BYU.  He made many great friends, whom he cherished, through his work.

He loved God and Jesus Christ and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had the most amazing testimony of the gospel. He had many callings throughout his life, and he fulfilled them all.

Mike is survived by his eternal companion, Mary Kathryn Christensen Patterson; his daughter, Kristen Herring; his son, Daren King Herring; his granddaughter, Brighton Elizabeth Herring (who is the apple of his eye); his brother, Clark Lynn Patterson (Paulette); and his nieces, nephews, and their families. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Clark Andrew Patterson; his mother, Cleo Barbara Patterson; and his sister, Cecelia Ann Patterson.

Mike, you will ALWAYS be in our hearts! Thank you for being the greatest father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, and uncle in the world. Godspeed to the other side. We know you are with your family that has passed before you. We know that you are embracing Jesus Christ and He is welcoming you Home, and that you did well as his faithful servant. We love you forever! This is not a goodbye, but a see-you-later, because we WILL meet again.

Funeral service will be Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at  South Valley View LDS Ward Church, 25 Apple Blossom Way, Salem, Utah 84653. There will be a visitation for family and friends of Mike, on Thursday morning, July 15, 2021, at the church, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to funeral.  Interment will be at Salem City Cemetery.