Michael Paul Russell

Michael P. Russell

December 12, 1976 - July 7, 2022

Michael (Mike) Russell, a resident of Davis County since 2014, passed away on July 7, 2022, at Alta View Hospital. Mike was born in Rochester, New York on December 12, 1976, the only child of Rodney R (deceased) and Linda L Russell. Growing up in Brighton, NY, Mike was an all-American kid who loved all sports and socializing with his friends. He played on the high school baseball team and served as co-captain of the varsity swim team, enjoying personal and team successes at the regional and state levels. Filled with confidence and boundless energy, Mike could disarm you with his boisterous laugh and wide smile, convincing you he was right all along, even if at times he wasn't. Mike was the most loyal friend one could ever have.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dayton in 1999 and then completed a Master of Arts degree from Nazareth College in 2005. He worked as a special education teacher in Rochester, NY at both East High school and Franklin High school from 2004 to 2012. During that time, he was the recipient of the Golden Apple Teacher Award. He also coached swimming and baseball. His students and colleagues adored him. Mike also was a substitute teacher for a short amount of time in St. Augustine, FL. Since moving to Utah, Mike worked in several different areas of businesses.

Mike met and married the love of his life Heidi Marie Russell January 28th, 2016, and together they had 2 sons, Finley Everett and Beckett Oliver Russell. Mike also leaves behind his stepson Peyton Jade McDermott. Along with spending time with his family, he loved playing golf and going on adventures to new and exciting places.

Mike will be most remembered by his infectiously positive spirit, amazing smile, laugh, dedication to his wife and children, unflinching optimism, and the love and joy he brought to all who knew him. His friends and family will forever miss him.

To his family and friends he says to you:

As I sit in heaven and watch you everyday, I try to let you know with signs I never went away. I hear you when you're laughing, and watch you as you sleep, I even place my arms around you to calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away, begging to have me home. So, I try to send you signs so you know you are not alone. Don't feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me. Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait and see. So, live your life, laugh again, enjoy yourself, be free. Then I know with every breath you take, you'll be taking one for me.

"We don't remember days, we remember moments"