Mike Vanchiere

Charles Michael (Mike) Vanchiere, Sr. passed away October 9, 2024 due to complications related to an ATV accident. He was 69 years old.
Mike was born July 12, 1955 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Myrna Loy Berry and Angelo Vanchiere, Jr. He has one brother, Rocky McCartney, and one sister, Toni Denova. Mike's mother, Myrna, later married Frank Doyle McCartney and Mike gained two step-siblings Becky Lockhart and Jack McCartney. Mike was adopted by Frank McCartney.
Mike spent his early childhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and his mom joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was nine years old. Mike's family moved to rural Slaughter, Louisiana when he was about 12 years old. There he enjoyed playing ball, fishing, swimming in the creek, and running wild with his siblings, cousins and friends.
Mike graduated from Robert Livingston Academy at the age of sixteen. He then headed to Ricks College where he first met Rhonda Marie Rupp, the love of his love. While at college he secretly snuck away to boy scout meetings in order to earn his Eagle Scout Award.
After two years of college, Mike served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fukuoka Japan. Upon returning home, in 1976, he married his sweetheart Rhonda.
Rhonda & Mike spent the first years of their marriage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There Mike attended Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!) and Mike and Rhonda had their first child, Jennifer.
In 1979, Mike & Rhonda moved to Utah County where they spent the remainder of their married life together. There they had five more children Rachel, Mike Jr., Jeff, Amy, & Bryce.
Mike graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University. His first "real job" was with Provo City Economic Development. He was soon recruited by Mountain West Small Business Finance (then Deseret CDC) where he worked for thirty years as a Vice President/Loan Officer. Mike became an expert in his field. His advice, counsel and mentorship was highly sought after throughout the industry and he gave it generously. He was known for making difficult deals work and for truly caring about the bankers and borrowers he worked with.
Mike was civic-minded and served in an administrative role for many organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Club, the Utah County Housing Authority, Lindon City Planning Commission, Lindon City Council, and the North Pointe Waste Management Committee.
Mike was faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities. In more recent years he served in a branch presidency for a Japanense branch at the Provo City, Utah MTC, he served with his wife Rhonda in the Orem, Utah Mission, and he served as a temple ordinance worker each week in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Beyond official callings, Mike's biggest contribution was behind the scenes. He went about quietly doing good as the Savior did and ministering to the one.
Mike enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, and anything to do with the civil war or American history in general. He enjoyed playing softball and coached many of his kids sports teams. He loved crosswords, classic rock, and could answer just about any trivia question you could throw at him. According to his wife Rhonda, he was a "good reader." He enjoyed traveling with his wife, kids and grandkids He was an avid supporter of any event his grandchildren were involved in, no matter how small and had a personal relationship with each of his 24 grandchildren. Most of all, he loved making sure his sweet wife Rhonda was happy.
Mike was known for his humor, quick-but-kind wit, and larger than life personality. He loved talking with anyone and everyone and had a talent for making people feel loved, important, and comfortable. Mike always had a smile to give and was fantastic at staying positive even in difficult situations. Anyone who spent a couple minutes with Mike knew of his belief in and love for Jesus Christ and his fierce love for his wife, children and grandchildren. We love you PaPa. We can't wait to see you again.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Myrna Loy Berry, Angelo Vanchiere, Jr. and Frank Doyle McCartney.
He is survived by his wife Rhonda Rupp Vanchiere, children: Jennifer Elton (Daniel), Rachel Blackhurst (Michael), Mike Vanchiere, Jr,. (Amber), Jeff Vanchiere (Chelsey), Amy Harris (Matt), and Bryce Vanchiere (Caitlin). Grandchildren: Gabe, Zoe, Noah, Faith and Hollis Elton; Tanner, Oaklee and Mason Brown; Jaxon, Belle, and Colt Vanchiere; Alli, Macie, Sunni, Evie and Beau Vanchiere; Brooks, Remi, Coy, Parks & Covey Harris; Haze, Indy, and Crew Vanchiere. Great Grandchildren: Malcolm and Harvey Brown. Brother: Rocky (Donna) McCartney, and Sister: Tony (Greg) Denova.
Family & Friends are invited to a viewing Thursday October 17, from 6-8 pm at Walker-Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT and again Saturday October 19, from 9:30-10:30 am at the Lindon Stake Center, 1050 E 100 N, Lindon, UT. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 am.
In lieu in flowers, if you would prefer, please spend your time and money on family & friends or helping someone in need in Mike's honor.
Please click this link to view the service for Mike,
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