Michael Dean Nish

Michael Dean Nish obituary, Salt Lake City, UT

Michael Dean Nish

Michael Nish Obituary

Visit the McDougal Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Mike passed away December 14, 2022, at his favorite place in the world, Dad's race shop. Dad and Mike had worked on their 400 MPH Streamliner and it truly was where Mike was most happy.

Mike was an accomplished race car driver running in many kinds of cars. Sprint Cars, Midgets, Indy Cars, Formula 2, and Land Speed cars. Mikes racing career had him drive for his father Terry Nish, Jim Allen, AJ Foyt, Dick Simons, Jim Fueling and a list of others too long to name.

Mikes greatest accomplishment was raising his children Andy and Olivia. He was a great father and passed his love of racing on to Andy. He loved following all of Olivia's athletic activities, but his proudest moment was walking her down the aisle on her wedding day. Mike genuinely loved his kids!

The last few years Mike had a new sweetheart, Glory. His horse was everything to him and we watched as the two of them became best friends. Rain, snow, or sunshine, you could find Mike on his electric bike on his way to the barn. He would have moved her to the race shop to live with him if he could have figured it out.

Mike was a father, brother, son, and friend to many. As we all watched Mike struggle with a lifelong addiction problem, he always fought the good fight and had long stints of sobriety. Mike was on the Board of Directors of the Haven Recovery Center and helped hundreds, if not thousands of struggling addicts.

We, the brothers, appreciate Mike putting his life on hold for years to care for our father Terry. His love and bond with him was unbreakable. We are sure they are raising hell in Heaven. If there is no racetrack up there, there will be now!

Mike is survived by:

His awesome children, Andy & Olivia (Weston Reese)

His two bad-ass brothers, Jeff (Melanie) & TJ

His sweetheart "Glory" (his Horse)

His mother Peggy, that loved him no matter what!

Nephews and Nieces, Great Nephews, and Great Nieces.

A host of women that will remain nameless to protect the innocent, but he loved you all!

Mikes Celebration of life will be held at Dad's race shop

Saturday, May 13, 2023 11:00 to 4:00

818 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84016

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

McDougal Funeral Home

4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Sign Michael Nish's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 27, 2023

Bruce Law posted to the memorial.

June 9, 2023

Cindy DeYoung (Parkinson) posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2023

Olivia posted to the memorial.

Bruce Law

September 27, 2023

Worked many years with Mike while I worked at Swire Coca-Cola. Great guy easy to work with.

Cindy DeYoung (Parkinson)

June 9, 2023

I grew up two doors away from the Nishes. I watched Terry race at the fairgrounds. Then I watched his boys follow suit and race themselves. I knew Mike went on to race further back East. Because of this family, I have a love of watching the races. I miss seeing them out here in West Valley now that they´re gone. I didn´t know Mike had passed away till recently, but I have a great memories of him and his brothers, Jeff and TJ. We had good times growing up in the circle in Rose Park. Terry and the boys were always working on some car or other in the garage in the backyard. I have very fond memories! I wish peace and solace to the family. Rest in peace, Mike!

Olivia

May 9, 2023

Will miss you every day, every moment for the rest of my life. You were the best father anyone could ever dreamed up. But now your raising hell in heaven with Jesus! I love you forever and always. Your daughter

Michael Vlamakis

May 8, 2023

Mike was one of a kind . We knew each other from Rose Park . Watched him and his father and family race at the Fairgrounds and Bonneville raceway. We also had common interests with The Haven. We had wonderful trips to Lake Powell and to Moab, helping others. R.I.P. my friend , God Bless !

Scott C

May 8, 2023

Mike I miss you at the track. As we talked about many times, Andy and Olivia are such great kids. They are the best legacy a person could ever leave this planet. I will be at the shop to celebrate your life and all of the great things you are. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again. Love you brother !!!

John Blair

May 6, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Rest in peace Mike.

Dennis Zerull

May 5, 2023

May the journey into your next life be one of joy and happiness. Thanks for the memories and the experiences we shared during filming. It was an honor to call you friend.

Single Memorial Tree

Chrisie S Klapakis

Planted Trees

Fabrizio

May 5, 2023

I am deeply sorry for the passing of Mike, I am and will be a big fan of Mike Nish, a great man and a great Driver. Rest in Peace Mike Fabrizio from Italy.

Jennie

May 5, 2023

Peggy, I´m so sorry for the passing of your son. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Dan Olsen

May 4, 2023

Rip Mike did not meet you but did Meet your Dad Terry my condolences to the Nish family

Jon WEennerberg (Seldom Seen Slim)

May 4, 2023

Mike & I shared a few quiet conversations - - it turned out that he and I had a mutual fried. We also had a never-to-be-forgot chat as he was getting out of the car after finally getting over 400 mph. His dad was part of that conversation, too. I'm a lucky guy for having known both of 'em. Rest in Peace, Mike.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Nish's name

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Nish's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Michael Nish's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 27, 2023

Bruce Law posted to the memorial.

June 9, 2023

Cindy DeYoung (Parkinson) posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2023

Olivia posted to the memorial.