Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Michael John McLatchy

Michael John McLatchy, a beloved son of God, left this earth on 7 10, 2017 where he was joyously reunited with his wife and son. Michael was a mathematician and he chose to pass away on a date that is the same both forwards and backwards. The family wishes to thank the ambulance crew and the staff at Mountain View Hospital for their loving care while attending our husband and father. Michael was 76.

He is preceded in death by his wife Rebecca Ann Richins McLatchy, his son John Adam McLatchy, his parents Frank Blue and Charlotte Taffee McLatchy, and two sisters Kathleen (Milton) Backman, and Shawna (Vern) Addix.

Michael is survived by his wife Willa Dene Burgess McLatchy of Payson, his children Sarah (Richard) Miller of Santaquin, Andy (Lizzie) McLatchy of Texas, Joe (Kristi) McLatchy of Texas, Rachel (Matt) Arndt of Arizona, his 14 grandchildren, and two sisters Linda (Hank) Vail, and Malon (Myron) Richardson.

Michael earned his Duty to God award, was an Eagle Scout and he attended BSA National Jamboree at Valley Forge (1957). 1 son and 4 grandsons have to date earned their own Eagle Awards. Michael served an LDS mission in Brazil (1961-1963). He married Rebecca in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on June 16, 1966. He earned degrees from University of Utah and Utah State University, finishing with his PhD in Civil Engineering, Hydrology Specialty. He was a member of 3 fraternities: Delta Phi Kappa (MIT), Phi Kappa Phi (U of U), and Epsilon Chi (Engineering). After the death of his “querida” (darling) Rebecca, Michael married “his beautiful woman,” Willa on April 27, 2013 in the Logan LDS Temple.     

   

In Michael’s professional life he worked for the Department of Energy, American Electric Power, and was twice a professor (California State University, Chico and Tarleton State University). His favorite was being a professor. He loved his students and they him.

Michael was a dedicated servant of the Lord serving in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Branch President, Blazer and Cub Scout Leaders, Young Men’s President, and Primary Teacher, among many others.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017, 11 am at the Spring Creek Ward, 1080 South 930 West, Payson, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, July 21, 2017, 6-8 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, and Saturday, July 22, 2017, 9:45-10:45 am at the Spring Creek Ward. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerobits.com