Michael Black

1972 - 2024

Michael Reid Black

1972 - 2024

Midvale, UT - Michael Reid Black passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 52. He was doing what he loved the most, traveling on a cruise with his family. Michael was born on February 20, 1972, to Randy Reid Black, and Janet Johnson Black. He was raised in Sandy, Utah along with his siblings, Amie Secrist (Ryan), Becca Hyer (Matt), Adam (Megan) & Liz Black. His siblings lovingly refer to him as "Pills" or "Dough Boy," after the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Michael always kept his parents on their toes! He has always been curious and loved to push the boundaries. Painting the brick of his parents newly sold home, field fires, running away to Arizona, and epic parentless parties were just a few of his shenanigans. Rules and guidelines have always just been a starting point for negotiations. He remained a kid at heart and was always up for something exciting.

Michael got his energy and zest for life through sports. He played soccer for Sparta United and Brighton High School. His team was state champions his junior year. After graduation, he attended Dixie college before serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints in the Stockholm, Sweden mission. His favorite non-human companion was his hamster "Aldste Nibley." (Always pushing the boundaries).

In 1995, Michael met the love of his life, Mandi Heffner. They quickly fell in love and were married on March 16, 1996, in the Salt Lake Temple. Michael has always adored Mandi. He loved her completely. They bought a forever home in Midvale, Utah and raised three fantastic kids, Mitchell (Meredith), Austin, and Rachel (Braedon). He loved his kids so much and would brag about them every chance he got. He was especially proud to become a "Drill Dad" and never expected to become a drill enthusiast.

Michael was a diehard University of Utah and Tennessee Titans football fan! He loved having season tickets and cheering on "his Utes." A highlight of Michael's career was as a sportswriter for the Deseret News. It was a perfect job for him. Michael excelled at writing and has been a technical writer for several years. He was a proud member of the "Grammar Police Department" and loved to "help out" his family every chance he could. They did not always find it quite as helpful as he did. If he was not correcting your grammar, talking about sports, or expressing his love for his wife and kids, he was talking about his puppy Rupi. He loved his dogs almost as much as sports.

As we are saddened with the loss of Michael, we have also concluded that this was on his terms. As mentioned, Michael has always done things his way. He recently recommitted to his Savior and returned to the Temple, on his timeframe. He also loved to relax and enjoy life to the fullest. His last breath was doing just that, traveling with his true love Mandi and kids.

He loved the song Blackened by Metallica. It was his "hype" song to tackle life. So, Michael, we leave you with this… "Blackened is the end, winter it will send. Throwing all you see into obscurity." We love you, Michael! Go Utes!

Michael is preceded in death by his dad and hero, Randy R Black & Janet J. Black.

Funeral services will be Saturday January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Casa Ward church building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at, 7699 South Chad Street, Midvale, UT. Friends and family may attend a viewing Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Casa Ward church and Saturday morning from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at Murray City Cemetery.