Michael Bynum

1946 - 2026

Michael "Mike" Bynum

December 15, 1946 ~

February 23, 2026

Moab, UT-

Michael "Mike" Henry Bynum was born December 15, 1947, in Mena, Arkansas to William "Bill" and Ada "Betty" Elizabeth (Patrick) Bynum. He passed away on February 23, 2026 at home in Moab surrounded by family.

Mike grew up in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Utah and graduated from Grand County High School in Moab in 1965. During his junior year of high school, he married his sweetheart, Linda Tangren, on December 31, 1963.

A standout athlete, Mike lettered in football each year at GCHS and led the Red Devils to the state championship game as quarterback during his sophomore and senior seasons. He was equally accomplished in wrestling, capturing the 165-pound state championship his junior year. In recognition of his remarkable high school career, his #12 GCHS jersey was retired in 2016.

Mike's athletic achievements earned him a football scholarship to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played safety for the Buffaloes from 1965 to 1968. He graduated in 1968 and continued at the University of Colorado Law School. He coached CU football during his time as a law student.

After earning his Juris Doctor degree, Mike completed a prestigious federal judicial clerkship with United States District Judge Chilson. Following his clerkship, Mike worked for the Boulder District Attorney before joining Byron Chrisman in private practice. In 1975 they founded the Boulder law firm Chrisman & Bynum, later known as Chrisman, Bynum & Johnson. For more than 25 years as managing partner, Mike built a distinguished legal career.

Mike and Linda raised their four boys in Boulder, CO and Mike spent more than thirty years coaching youth baseball and football. His sons and their friends have fond memories of Mike coaching them.

Mike retired from the legal profession and returned home to Moab in 2005. He shared a life of adventure, ambition and love with his devoted partner, in every sense of the word, Gina Giffin. Drawing on Mike's lifelong experience in the restaurant industry-beginning with his family's Westerner Grill during Moab's uranium boom days- his blended family became owners and operators of many local hotels and restaurants.

He volunteered as an assistant coach for the Grand County High School football team for several years, including a state championship team in 2005. Mike was devoted to teaching respect, teamwork, and confidence.

His commitment to the community included over a decade of service on the board of Moab's Allen Memorial Hospital. As president and chairman of the board, he was instrumental in the construction of the new Moab Regional Hospital. He and his family also support many Moab community organizations through their Moab Cares foundation.

Above all, Mike loved his family. He is survived by his partner Gina Giffin of Moab, his former wife Linda (Tangren) Bynum of Moab, sons Michael Bynum of Moab; Kelly (Barbara) Bynum of Montrose CO; Casey (Emily) Bynum of Moab; Zach Bynum of Moab. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Brennon, Maggie, Danny, Landon, Abby, Caden, and Lidia Bynum.

He cherished his role in the lives of Gina's children Kari Han and Michael Christman including being 'Grandpa Coach' to Kari's children: London, Daisy, Scarlet and Azalea Han.

He is predeceased in death by his four older brothers, Bill, Chet, Paul and Don Bynum and leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who all had a special place in his heart.

Mike will be remembered for his love of all people, quick wit, entrepreneurial drive, steadfast leadership, unwavering love of coaching, and deep devotion to his family and the communities he was proud to call home.

He spent his last years at his and Gina's home, Walkabout Ranch, where he enjoyed time with family and pets. He loved watching sunsets looking east across the red rocks to the La Sal mountains and gazing at the moon and stars from Playa de Mike.

A outdoor Celebration of Life party will be held at Walkabout Ranch on Saturday, May 16th. The program will begin at 4pm and will be followed by food, memories and good conversation. Walkabout Ranch is located at 66 South Ranch Trail, Moab Utah. A fall celebration will be planned in Boulder at a later date. In honor of Mike's memory, his family would appreciate that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his name to the charity of your choice.