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Michael William Sproat
Michael William Sproat
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Michael Sproat Obituary
Mike was born on January 11, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI, and was raised on a farm in Wadsworth, IL, where he enjoyed tending to the sheep and chickens and embraced the hard work of farm life.
In high school, he joined the Naval Reserves and later served in the Marine Corps from 1958 to 1961, where he was honorably discharged.
Mike was a man of many talents and interests. He had a passion for photography, capturing the beauty of the world around him. In his younger years while living in Illinois, Mike owned and operated a backhoe and dozer, taking on various projects and developing his love for working with the land. He later worked in landscaping for the state of Illinois before tapping into his entrepreneurial spirit and founding his own company, Northwest Tool, making him a two-time business owner.
In 2002, Mike met the love of his life, Valerie, and quickly introduced her to his second love-golf. Together, they enjoyed many golfing adventures throughout the Pacific Northwest before settling in Sun City West, Arizona, in 2003.
Once a resident of Sun City West, Mike became an active member of the Pebblebrook Men's Club and worked as a starter at the Deer Valley Golf Course for 11 years, combining his passion for the sport with his love of community.
Mike lived for having family and friends over to share an amazing meal and play Mexican train or cards. Known as the "grill king" in his house, Sundays were his day of master grilling, with his baby back ribs and pork tenderloin becoming family favorites. Attending concerts in the park in Sun City West was always a special treat each fall.
Mike will be remembered for his generous smile, infectious laughter, and his appreciation for good food. He loved sharing good humorous stories and jokes from many sources.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Sproat; his mother, Elizabeth Solliday; and his three precious dogs, Gretchen, Nicky, and Scarlet.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie; his daughters, Kim Thurman of Shady Cove, OR (Mark) and Cindy Grabowski of Desert Hills, AZ (Leo); his cherished grandsons, Cordell Greene of Kirkland, WA and Kyle Ogden of Phoenix, AZ (Faezeh); his cousin, Ann Taylor of Sarasota, FL; Brother-in-law, Jim Olsen of McClintock, TX (Kathy); sister-in-law Joan Rockwell of Sturgeon Bay, WI (Steve); as well as their beloved dog, Sadie and umbrella cockatoo, Luna.
A celebration of life is being planned for the Spring of 2025. In memory of Michael, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley Arizona.
5 Entries
Cindy Grabowski
November 8, 2024
It has taken me two weeks to be able to write this post and share how deeply we loved our stepfather, Mike Sproat. For 22 years, Mike blessed our family with his presence, entering our lives when I was 34 and bringing with him a love for my mother, Valerie, that was pure, deep, and immediately evident to all who knew them.
Mike wasn't just my mother's husband - he became our 'Pops,' enriching our lives with warmth, wisdom, and wonderful stories. He shared tales of his childhood on the farm, his experiences at the military academy, and his many adventures before finding his soulmate in our mom. His face would light up as he recounted these memories, but nothing made him beam quite like talking about our mother. Not a day went by that he didn't marvel aloud at Mom's intelligence, organizational skills, and beauty - his admiration and love for her never wavered over their 22 years together.
We watched with joy as Mom discovered a new passion for golf through Mike, and together they built an extraordinary partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Some of my most treasured memories are of our family gatherings - playing 'Name That Tune' to the sounds of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, sharing meals around the table, and never-missed game nights. Mike approached every family moment with enthusiasm and genuine happiness to be there.
Thank you, Pops, for 22 beautiful years of loving us and letting us love you in return. Thank you for showing us what true partnership looks like and for being such a wonderful addition to our family. You will be deeply missed but your legacy of love, joy, and family devotion will live on in our hearts forever.
Love you, Pops!
Leo Grabowski
November 8, 2024
It is with deep sadness I say goodbye to my father-in-law, Mike Sproat. Though I only had the privilege of knowing Mike for six and a half years, he welcomed me into the family with open arms and quickly became more than just my wife's stepfather.
Mike was passionate about golf and persistently tried to share that passion with me, despite my having never picked up a club in my 61 years in Phoenix. He often told us how golf had created such precious memories during his 22-year marriage with my mother-in-law Valerie, encouraging my wife and I to make our own memories on the course, away from life's pressures and surrounded by nature.
In his final week, Mike gave me one of his most treasured possessions - his beloved set of Ping golf clubs. I was deeply touched and humbled by this gesture. I promised him that I would take up the sport he so dearly loved. Every time I step onto the golf course with his clubs, I will think of Mike's infectious positivity, generous spirit, and the legacy of joy he has left behind.
Mike, I will miss your encouragement, stories, and genuine desire to share the things you loved with others. May you rest in peace.
Kyle Ogden
October 31, 2024
I can't imagine meeting a more positive person in my life. Mike spent every moment spreading happiness to everyone around him. He was the kind of person who connected effortlessly with others, always putting them first. I feel incredibly lucky to have had him as my grandfather
Cordell Greene
October 30, 2024
Thankful beyond words to have had a grandfather who was always happy. No matter what time of year, what any of us in the family were going through he always brought a smile, joy and happiness to the room. His happiness and support of my grandmother will always be a bright light in my memories and thankful for him giving me time and advice when I asked / needed it! Love you grandpa
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Gus Angelas
October 28, 2024
Mike was an amazing friend and in addition to that was like a family member for the years I knew him. He will be missed! Mike loved a good party and we had a lot of them when he was living in the Portland area, now so many years ago. We never lost touch or contact and my wife (beloved Connie) and I got to spend a few days with Valerie and Mike at Lake Monroe in Oregon as our last get together too many years ago but Mike was always in touch with his interesting blogs on whatever!
Love you like a brother and put a good word in for us while you're up there....
Gus, Connie (deceased) and Christopher Angelas
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