There's a great American hero we all look up to,
When the times are hard and the chips are down,
He knows just what to do…
Michael Bryan Price, loving husband, father, and our “great American hero,” passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 23rd, surrounded by his loving family. During his life, Mike embodied quiet strength, enduring kindness, and unshakable integrity.
Born in Welwyn Garden City, England, and as a boy, he was drawn toward the cowboy way of life, often reading stories about the Wild West. After his family converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they immigrated to America, where he fulfilled his dream by working on Redd Ranch in Monticello, Utah. There, he experienced the rugged simplicity and honest labor that aligned with his deeply held values. Throughout his life, Mike embraced the timeless principles of the cowboy: letting his actions speak louder than his words, honoring his commitments, treating everyone with respect, and practicing thrift.
After serving a two-year mission in Central California, he returned to BYU and became an American citizen in 1976. While in school, he met his wife, Sonja Halvorson, and they were married on June 30, 1978, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they raised five children—Jonathan Price (Julie), Brittany Fowers (Cris), Bridget Fowers (Ryan), David Price (Rachel), and Michael Price (Caity)—and were blessed with 12 grandchildren.
A lifelong learner, Mike found joy in discovery and constantly sought knowledge through books and research. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Public Relations and earned a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Utah State University. Through his studies, he shared his knowledge with others by teaching and leading by example. Mike supported organizational transformations, sharing his skills with multiple companies, most recently with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Utah’s Department of Transportation.
Mike was gentle, thoughtful, and unfailingly kind. He had an innate talent for recognizing hidden potential—in people and in things. Whether rescuing a fixer-upper from a thrift store or nurturing the talents of those around him, Mike consistently saw the good in everything. At Christmas, he delighted his family as “Papa Claus,” bringing joy and light to the season—a tradition they will forever cherish.
Mike’s strength was evident in his tireless work ethic and his ability to tackle any challenge. He instilled a love for the outdoors in his children through countless camping trips, hikes, and road trips. Despite the chaos of loading up five kids and a one-of-a-kind two-story tent trailer, his patience and love created unforgettable memories of nature and togetherness.
Mike faced life’s hardships with quiet determination, teaching his loved ones the power of perseverance and grace under pressure. He selflessly prioritized his family’s needs and once made a promise to his children: if they saved enough money to buy a horse, he would take care of the rest. True to his word, he fulfilled that promise, using the horses they rode in the South Weber Junior Posse to impart invaluable life lessons that shaped their lives.
Mike brought stability, strength, and brightness to the lives of those around him, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and resilience that will continue to inspire his family. Though he has now ridden on to the next horizon, his steadfast example and deeply held values will guide those left behind as they navigate life without him. The question, “What would Dad do?” will often be asked, and his principles will always point to doing the right thing. His strength, love, and enduring legacy will be deeply missed but will forever live on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.
Those touched by Mike’s legacy are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, December 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N Fairfield Rd., Layton.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at 11 a.m. at Cedar Bluff Ward, 1814 E 7775 S, South Weber, with visitation prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Interment: Lindquist Memorial Park of Layton, 1867 N Fairfield Rd., Layton.
Cowboy Logic
There's a great American hero, we all look up to
When the times are hard and the chips are down
He knows just what to do
Now a cowboy's got a set of rules that he lives by day to day
If you ask for his advice, he'll more than likely say
If it's a fence, mend it, if it's a dollar bill, spend it
Before if burns a hole down in them jeans
It it's a load, truck it, if it's a punch, duck it
If she's a lady, treat her like a queen
If it's a job, do it, put your back in to it
'Cause a little bit of dirt's gonna wash off in the rain
If it's a horse, ride it, if it hurts, hide it
Dust yourself off and get back on again
That's cowboy logic, every cowboy's got it
It's in the way he lives his life and the songs he sings
That's cowboy logic, every cowboy's got it
He's got a simple solution to just about anything
"Cowboy Logic," written by Donny Kees and Bill Graham, performed by Michael Martin Murphey, from the album Cowboy Songs III, released in 1993.
The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the the bottom of Michael’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Mountain time)
Lindquist's Layton Mortuary
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 am (Mountain time)
Cedar Bluff Ward
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)
Cedar Bluff Ward
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