Husband, Father, Grandfather, Marketing Guru, Friend, Politician, Utah Ute Fanatic and Story-Teller, returned home to his heavenly family and friends early on Wednesday, March 17th, 2021.  It’s obvious that he wanted to get the St. Patty’s Day celebration started early in heaven… and that the whole “cancer thing” was really cramping his style here on earth!!

Mike came into this world much like he lived his life, big and full of spirit.   Born on September 6th, 1940 and weighing in at over 10 plus pounds, his parents Lucille and Harry Fletcher knew he was destined for BIG things.  

The second of three boys, Mike spent his formative years in Centerville, Utah.   It is here that Mike described an idyllic childhood full of adventure, mischief and the occasional “borrowed” car or boat, to help make the adventure complete.  Mike took great pride in being part of the first graduating class of Bountiful High School in 1957.  As a proud Brave, he served on the Student Council, Seminary Presidency and was the self-proclaimed “best dancer” in the entire school (a claim confirmed by many fellow Braves over the years).

After high school at the age of 17, he joined the U.S Army.  During his military time, he rose through the ranks and soon became a Sargent in the Field Engineering Tank Division.  In the Army he was nicknamed the “Starchy Sargent,” due to his impeccable detail in making sure his uniform was perfectly pressed.  A quality highlighted throughout Mike’s life.

After Mike’s time in the Service, he attended Weber State.  Here he earned his Associates degree in Business and charmed many a “wildcat” in his days there.  During his time at Weber State, he moonlighted as a local radio personality with KUVV.  Mike covered everything from news to sporting events.  As if that wasn’t enough, he also worked as the White Satin Sugar Man.  Mike would dress in an all-white cowboy getup and deliver silver dollars to those who had White Satin Sugar in their grocery carts.   

On completion of his degree, he took his first professional job at the Salt Lake Tribune, where he worked in advertising sales for over eleven years. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Miss Roberta Swenson.  The two of them met while on a double date, but not with each other, and soon realized they wished they were.  After a whirlwind courtship of four months, Mike turned in his bachelor card for his forever sweetheart.  Mike and Roberta enjoyed almost fifty- four years of marriage this year.   

Following the Tribune, Mike went to work as the VP of Hospitality Marketing and Sales for Pearson Enterprises.  During this time, he participated in many hospitality related organizations such as: the Utah Hotel and Motel Association, The Utah Convention and Business Bureau and the Salt Shakers.  Mike also worked as a lobbyist on behalf of those organizations, to pass important legislation promoting the state of Utah and the Hospitality Industry.  Politics played an important role in his life, as he ran for a seat in the Utah House of Representatives.  

Later in life, Mike had a variety of jobs that all involved his masterful ways of selling, his charm and ability to delight people.

Although Mike had many accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family and friends.  He enjoyed spending time with his two boys Jamie and Josh.  He took the role of being a dad very seriously and supported them in anything and everything that they were involved with.  He enjoyed years of skiing with his family, as well as teaching or patrolling at Alta, Solitude and Park City.  

Mike loved to dress with style and took pride in being the best dressed man in the room, or as he would say, “looking dynamite!”  In fact, he was named one of the “Best Dressed Men” in Utah by the Salt Lake Tribune.  Mike’s hair was a thing of legend, he even made Kenny Rogers jealous.   He would go to great lengths to showcase these heavenly locks.  This was demonstrated by his refusal to wear a ski hat, even on the coldest days!

Mike was an avid, lifelong Utah Utes fan.  He loved attending the football games and was not shy about verbalizing his dislike of certain plays, player performance or unfair treatment of Utah by the referees.  He also loved golfing with a passion and spent as much time on the course as possible.  Over his many years of playing the game, he was fortunate enough to get two hole in ones! 

Mike loved being a grandpa to his six beautiful grandchildren and hardly ever missed a game or event in their lives.   His distinct booming voice from the stands will be missed, but we have no doubt he will continue cheering them on from above.

Mike’s gregarious and ”bigger than life personality” will always be remembered and celebrated amongst his friends and family.  Although he will be missed by many, the heavenly party has just begun!

Mike’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 5565 South Neighbor Lane, Holiday, UT. If attending in person, please wear a mask.   For those who are not able to attend in person, a Zoom broadcast will be available.

https://zoom.us/j/.98198341056

Dial-In Number: 1-253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 98198341056