Michael Curtis Dastrup

     Michael Curtis Dastrup (58) passed away on April 19, 2023, in Heber City, Utah, where he had been living for the last few years. His body finally gave out after years of having seizures caused by brain tumors that began in 1993. Despite the seizures he suffered, he beat the odds he was given and long surpassed the ten years he was expected to live after the first tumor.
    Mike was born April 18, 1965, in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in Roosevelt, Utah. Growing up on a farm, he learned at a young age how to drive, operate equipment and work hard. When he wasn’t working on the farm, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and playing basketball. In high school he took part in debate and drama, performing in plays, and doing mime. He was known for being quick witted and was skilled at card games.
    After graduating high school, he attended Dixie College in St. George, Utah. While at Dixie he met Laurie Sendline, and they eventually married. Mike and Laurie had two sons, Colton and Marcus, and lived in Roosevelt. Mike worked with his dad at Basin Livestock Market, where he built good relations with the local farmers and ranchers, as well as buyers that attended the sale. He was known for being honest and fair while supporting the market.
    Mike and his family left the Basin for a time, and when he returned to Utah, he began working for Delsco. While he and Laurie had divorced, and even though he didn’t live near his sons, he worked to maintain a good relationship and loved to spend time with the boys whenever he could. When visiting Mike, he always talked about his sons.
In his spare time, he would hike and look for Indian artifacts such as arrowheads and pottery. He had a knack for knowing where to look and would often point out items that others would overlook. He was also an avid golfer. While living in Heber, Ed and Lisa Houston adopted Mike into their family where he became Uncle Mike to their children. He spent much time with the Houston family and developed a close relationship with them. Other good friends also loved and supported Mike, especially when his health began to decline.
    When his seizures got bad enough that he could no longer work, he moved into a care facility in Heber. While there, he became Mr. Popular, learning everybody’s names and building relationships with those in his new home. His friends there knew him to be quiet but witty, with a passion for Utah Jazz basketball. He was very social and could frequently be found walking around and visiting with the other residents and staff. A common phrase when friends came to pick him up from the facility for outings was, “Let’s get out of here!”
    He got out of here for the last time early on April 19, 2023, to join his parents, Curtis and Lanis Dastrup, and his sister, Julie Penton, who preceded him in death. 
    He is survived by his sons, Colton and Marcus Dastrup of Prescott, Arizona, and his brother, Kelly Dastrup of Vernal, Utah.
    A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Hullinger Mortuary in Roosevelt. Please feel welcome to come and reminisce with Mike’s family and friends from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. A tribute to Mike will be from 2:30 to 3:00 where time will be given to friends and family to share memories. Mike requested cremation.