Michael Donald Woodward

Michael Donald Woodward, age 58, passed away on April 30, 2024 at his home in Kaysville, Utah, after a valiant battle with head and neck cancer.

 

Mike was born January 20, 1966 to Donald Enoch Woodward and Nancy Marie Perry in Bountiful, Utah. As a boy growing up in Kaysville, he learned to work hard and was known for his great work ethic all his life. He loved riding his family’s horses, hunting, and playing football

for Davis High School. Mike served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brisbane, Australia from 1985–1987. Mike’s mission stories were always a hit with his family and friends, and he was known for referring to his mission self as the “best of a bad bunch.”

 

Following his mission, Mike graduated from Weber State University and married Amy Child on May 4, 1989, in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Kaysville, Utah, and welcomed sons Blake and Kyle. A few years later, Mike and Amy were blessed when their daughter Natalie

joined the family. They had been married for eight years when Mike was diagnosed with leukemia. His toughness and faith helped him endure a bone marrow transplant, receiving marrow donated by his sister Sherri. Thanks to Mike’s strength, Amy’s spunk, and many miracles, Mike lived for another 27 ‘bonus’ years.

 

Mike and Amy enjoyed a fun and adventurous life together. Mike loved sports (especially football and golf), fishing, camping, and traveling. His favorite role was being “Pops” to Owen, Ezra, Jack, and Noah Woodward, Faye Woodward, and Briella Weippert. He loved snuggling

his grandkids and spending time with them playing catch, camping, and going to Sun Valley, Idaho. Mike added an artistic touch to any project he worked on – including to his legendary twice-mowed cross-cut lawn.

 

Mike used his creative talents working at Allen Communications for several years, then as an advertising executive at RC Willey for 22 years. He retired in 2023.

 

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Mike loved serving quietly through example and had the ability to make everyone feel comfortable and seen. He served in many positions in the Church, including in Bishopric and High Council callings, but his favorite place to serve was with the

youth. His sense of fun, his example, and his testimony of Christ positively influenced many youth who still remember the lessons they learned from him and the kindness he showed them.

 

He will also be remembered for his classic campfire Sasquatch story. Most recently, he loved serving with Amy as a priesthood advisor for the special needs primary (SNAP).

 

In October 2022, Mike was again diagnosed with cancer, this time of the head and neck. In spite of his pain, he was an example to those around him of how to continue in faith. Some of the lessons his family learned from him are how to love, endure well, smile and joke through it all, always love and never judge and be there for your family - no matter what. Mike was grateful for his and Amy’s eternal love. She was his tireless caretaker and is also an example of strength, love and endurance.

 

Mike lived a full and rich life, always grateful for his bonus years. He demonstrated how to love and serve like Christ. He provided a safe space for everyone to land. He quietly and dependably went about doing good. One of the last messages he gave his family sums it up: “It’s all about

love.”

 

Mike is survived by his wife Amy, his children Blake (Brynn), Kyle (Emerald), and Natalie. He leaves behind six grandchildren; parents Don and Nancy Woodward; siblings Sharla (Leo) Laurendeau, Sherri Rhoton, Ryan (Tammy) Woodward, and Amanda (Mike) Lawhead; as well

as loving in-laws Sheldon and Joan Child, siblings-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and adopted family Rynnie and Annie Weippert.

 

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday May 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kaysville Stake Center, 615 N. Flint Street, Kaysville, Utah.  Friends and family may visit Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.at the church prior to the funeral service.

 

Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

 

The family would like to thank Doctors Drejet, Kerrigan, and Bergomi at Huntsman Cancer Institute, hospice nurse Marcie, and the many friends and family who have helped Mike and Amy through his cancer battle. Thanks also to Lindquist Mortuary for their help at this time.

 

The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Michael’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com

ORDER VIDEOS