Michael Ray Burgess

Our beloved Michael Ray Burgess, age 68, passed away on December 4, 2024 at his home in South Weber, UT, surrounded by his loved ones after enduring the challenges of dementia with remarkable bravery, grace and dignity.

 Michael is survived by his wife, Marta Burgess (Lorca); his children, Tanya Strong (MacLane), and Tyler Burgess (Holly); his grandchildren, Landon Strong and Katelyn Strong; and his six siblings, David Burgess (Ramona), Nancy Jeppesen (John), Julie Paulson (Reed), Joe Burgess (Becca), Ann Beardall (Gary), and Mary Anderson (Nels); Michael is predeceased by his parents, Raymond William Burgess and Nola Rae Burgess (Jenkins).

 Michael (Mike) was born on May 18, 1956 to Nola and Raymond Burgess in Provo, UT. Mike was known for his faith in Jesus Christ. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Rosario, Argentina Mission. Mike attended Brigham Young University (BYU) and later earned an associate degree in Accounting from another institution. Mike worked as the Office Manager and Comptroller for an industrial pipe-coating company. On April 23, 1982, he married Marta, whom he met through mutual friends while she was attending BYU as an international student, for Time and All Eternity in the Provo Utah temple.

 Mike raised two children with Marta in Pleasant Grove and Orem, Utah. Mike’s shoes usually falling apart so that his children’s shoes didn’t have to. Mike was also blessed with two grandchildren. Mike detested having nurses come to his home during the last months of his life. The only time a nurse could make him smile is when mentioning his children or grandchildren.

 Mike’s greatest love in life was his family. At a very close second was BYU football. He would often be heard by neighbors running down the street vocally celebrating BYU’s wins. This would often be acknowledged over the pulpit during church service the next day. Mike passed away wearing his favorite BYU football t-shirt.

 Mike grew up learning to play the harmonica with his dad. Mike would play for the retirement center down the street during his time living in Orem. Mike loved performing for church events. He wrote his own lyrics and tunes. While the harmonica was Mike’s favorite instrument to play, he could pick up the guitar or sit down at the piano and play any tune. His daughter would request him to play songs he had never played before just to watch him start playing it right then. Mike taught his son, Tyler, how to play the harmonica and guitar without knowing how to read music sheets. During the last hours of Mike’s time on earth, he requested, by motioning, because he could no longer speak, that Tyler play him something on the guitar. When asked if he had a special request he whispered, “No, just la la la”. This request came after his daughter told those in the room to be quiet. Mike clearly said, “No, be loud!”

Mike had many hobbies and talents that blessed the lives of those around him. He took his children and nieces and nephews fishing and camping. He loved to see those whom he cooked for, enjoy his dishes. His most famous dish was “Mike’s Lasagna”, which he cooked for church gatherings and several weddings, in addition to family dinner. Mike was skilled at organizing and accounting. He would teach others how to create andmanage budgets. At one point, Mike ran a small business selling waterbeds. Mike later created his own carpet shampooing business. He would often shampoo carpets for free. Most didn’t know all of Mike’s talents because he never boasted about them. You would only know when you were a recipient of his service. While Mike was a man of few words, his actions of love will always be loud to those whom he cared for.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 9:30AM-10:30AM at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton, UT 84041. Funeral Services will be held on that same day and location from 11:00AM-12:00PM after which the interment will take place at the Eastlawn Memorial Hils Cemetery, 4800 Timpview Drive, Provo, UT 84604.

 Mike’s family wishes to thank all those who have offered services and condolences at this time.