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Mike Dunyon, 69, died peacefully at his sheep camp May 1, 2020. His death is a big mystery to his children, but the death certificate reads natural causes. He never wanted to get crispy, he wanted to tip over when his time came — and he did just that.
Mike was a great man, son, brother, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. He was born Oct. 12, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the oldest of five children born to Louis Elmer “Lou” Dunyon and Anne Remington Dunyon of Stockton, Utah.
He spent his childhood in Pine Canyon, and Stockton, Utah, attending Stockton Elementary School and graduating from Tooele High School in the class of 1968. He hitchhiked to Tacoma, Washington, and later Hayward, California, where he humbly served his country in the Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1970. He held a wide variety of jobs: working for the Grimm family, a pig farm in Rush Valley, construction for Farmer Smith, the lime quarry in Grantsville, and Dugway Proving Ground as a service station attendant back when purchasing beer on a credit card was not allowed so he had to get creative with record breaking “oil” sales, Tooele Army Depot, Sierra Army Depot, and later retiring from EG&G — where he told his grandchildren he had to go “save the plant” but they heard “save the planet.”
He married Teri Lee Day in Tooele, Utah, in 1973 and had daughter Meranda Lynn “Mandy” in 1974. They later divorced. He married Sharon Kay Baker in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1976, had son Joshua Michael, born in 1980, and daughter Whitney Kay “Maynard,” born in 1984. They later divorced. Mike married Margaret Quigg-Klamm in Reno, Nevada in 2003. They later divorced. He spent his remaining years with Dani Hathaway — he found true happiness and for that we are forever grateful.
As a child he was a talented accordionist alongside his mother. In his youth he was a dangerous daredevil alongside his friends. His love for the outdoors started at an early age, instilled in him from his own father. He spent many hours camping, boating, hunting, fishing, trapping, shooting, and exploring the desert and mountain ranges all over Utah. He loved history, had a passion for crossword puzzles just like his mother and read the thickest books he could find. He was always looking for the next hot deal and never paid full price for anything. He was known to travel long distances and wait long hours when it came to his eclectic treasure collection. He liked to jab you in the ribs, check your oil, or give you the claw when you weren’t paying attention. He was always willing to help those he liked. And everyone knew where you stood with him. He enjoyed cooking after his children left home. Some of his earlier dishes included wild game, tomato juice and rice, mayo sandwiches, chili cooked in the can, and fried bologna sandwiches.
Mike leaves behind his children Meranda Lynn “Mandy” Dunyon-Madsen (Mark Kessinger), Joshua Michael Dunyon, and Whitney Kay “Maynard” Dunyon-Atkinson (Andrew Atkinson); his six grandchildren Lance, Stormy, Oakley, Alexis, Sydney, and Quinn; great-granddaughter Vesper; aunt Lois Remington; and siblings Nancy Peterson (Jesse), Andy Dunyon (Kathy), and Jill Dunyon (Royal).
He was proceeded in death by his sister Debra Anne “Duke” Dunyon, his mother Anne Remington Dunyon, his father Louis Elmer “Lou” Dunyon, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and his beloved pets – way too many to name.
The next time you enjoy a Coca-Cola (diet) or a Miller Genuine Draft, be sure to make a toast to Mike’s memory. All those who knew him will never forget his tenacity, wit, charm, knowledge, and love for life. Until we meet again, WE LOVE YOU DAD.
A private family service has been held. Mike’s children would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Bill Long, Chad Fidler, Bryan Haslam, and Jack and Kaye Hollien.
If you have a favorite Mike story to share, no matter the language or situation, please mail your story to: Mike’s Memory, PO Box 66, Stockton, UT 84071, or email your story to: mike.dunyon@gmail.com.
