Mike Rees

David Michael (Mike) Rees was released from his challenging journey with ALS on November 8th, 2024. He handled this incurable, debilitating disease with dignity and patience. He was born on October 21, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to H. David Rees and Elizabeth “Betty” Rees. He was the oldest of three sons. He and his brothers enjoyed a close relationship, especially in their retirement years, when they lived near each other and spent time together often. He was raised in Provo and lived in Utah County for most of his life.

He graduated from Provo High School and then attended CSU (College of Southern Utah) in Cedar City for a year before serving in the Canadian mission (1963-1965) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Brigham Young University.

Mike met his sweetheart, Janet, on a blind date in 1967. After a short courtship they were married and sealed for eternity on March 22, 1968 in the Salt Lake Temple. Mike and Janet were blessed with three children. Steven, Michelle, and Wendy. They raised their family in Orem, Utah and enjoyed their life there for 30 years. After retirement they moved to Provo, Utah where he lived until his passing.

He earned his pilot's license and flew tourist flights in Jackson Hole, Wyoming before starting his career in law enforcement. In 1970 he was hired by the Utah Highway Patrol and served the state of Utah for the next 28 ½ years in Carbon and Utah counties. His retirement date of February 13, 1998 was made extra special by the birth of his first granddaughter. He then went on to work for Utah County Sheriff’s Office for the next six years.

Mike set a great example of hard work for his family. While working full time for the Highway Patrol he also owned and operated a yard maintenance business during the summers and was a ski patrolman at Sundance during the winters for many years.

He loved the outdoors and spent many hours hiking, camping, biking, boating, skiing, and snowshoeing. Doing these things with his children, grandchildren, brothers, and friends made them even more enjoyable. He was a very active person all his life and amazed all of us by being able to outhike us even in his late 70s. He hiked the Y trail most days of the week and loved long bike rides and walks. One of the devastating effects of ALS was being robbed of the ability to continue the activities he loved.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of his most meaningful callings was being a temple worker in the Provo Temple. You could often find him quietly studying his scriptures in his office and this continued until the very end of his life. The scriptures and Gospel of Jesus Christ were a source of increasing his faith, hope, and strength. This was especially a blessing to him as he faced the trials associated with ALS.

We will miss so much about him. His sense of humor and quick wit were second to none. He was the coolest dad and grandpa. He enjoyed listening to rock and all kinds of different music, including new artists introduced to him by his children and grandkids. He cooked a mean omelet and grilled chicken to perfection. He was a master of short prayers, loved clip on ties (which his sweetheart successfully changed), was never judgmental (unless you were a bad driver), and loved his family fiercely. We are so grateful for the knowledge we have that families are forever and we will be with him again.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet D. Rees, his brothers: John Rees (Kathy d. 2019), James Rees (Mary Ann), his children: Steven (Cynthia), Michelle (Chip), Wendy (Brigham), grandchildren: Hunter (Brooke), Jessica, Tyler, Rachel (Zach), Curtis (Susie), Lauren (Kaleb), Carter, (Lauren), Caden, Kate (Drew), Emma, Bennett, Madison, great-grandchildren, Thomas, Charlotte, Adam, and Remi.

The family would like to thank A Plus Home Health and Hospice for their loving care.

The viewings will be held on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm MST at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 North University Avenue, Provo, Utah, 84604, and on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at 10:00 to 10:45 am MST at Riverside Ward, 3511 North 180 East, Provo, Utah, 84604.

The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am MST at Riverside Ward, 3511 North 180 East, Provo, Utah, 84604.

The graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm MST at Eastlawn Memorial, 4800 North 650 East Street, Provo, Utah, 84604.