G. Michael Penley

G. Penley Obituary

G. Michael Penley G. Michael Penley, 43, died suddenly of heat stroke on July 9, 2002, in Salt Lake City. Michael was born in Seattle, WA. He attended Davis High School in Kaysville. He bravely waged a long and heroic struggle with mental illness. The lives touched by his gentle spirit are a gift to us. He is survived by his father, George A. Penley; mother, Diana B. Penley; sister, Laura Penley Wanker; brother, Ned J. Penley; grandfather, Ned J. Richmond and grandmother, Lois V. Judd. He is also survived by his loving extended family and countless friends. A private family memorial service will be held on July 16th at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Seattle, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the G. Michael Penley Fund through NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) 309 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Jul. 14, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for G. Penley

14 Entries

Marji Hanson

August 13, 2002

I was so saddened to hear of Mike's death. Twice while in law school, I caught glimpses of Mike near campus. There was that flash of recognition, I knew he remembered me, but he looked away. I so dearly wanted to tell him him, "Mike, it should be you here, you were born to be a great lawyer, I'm the pretender." I'll always remember him as buoyant, he had so much energy and enthusiasm for whatever project or topic of conversation that currently held his attention. He had no fear and all the confidence in the world.

Dear Laura and family, my deepest sympathies as I remember Mike.

Marji Hanson

Betty Brand

August 13, 2002

Each day I have read and re-read the comments about Mike. His energy level, warmth and humor quickly earned him a spot in everyone's heart. With his tremendous talent and desire to win, he could have been a "pain to be around". Instead he was just the opposite; Mike was our joy and our spark.

I will always remember his love of winning and his love of being kind to the new young debaters. This seemed like a conflict, yet in Mike it was always just the way he was.

We will always cherish our memories of Mike.

Love,

Mrs. Brand

Mark Heath

August 6, 2002

My memories of time spent at the Penley home, especially with Mike and Laura, are warm and pleasant. While it is deeply moving and sad to think on Mike's passing, it is at the same time, a source of relief to think of him now freed of his particular mortal fetters.

At many times of personal challenges in my life, reflections on days spend with Mike, especially the successes in Legislative Forum and the fun of High School antics, have served to lift my spirits and help me cntinue on in the fight.

Mike has passed on by us, but we are better for having shared a moment on lifes' path with him.

Nani (Morrill) Pierson

July 26, 2002

I've been putting off this task, not knowing at all what would be of comfort. But I will try, because it is important for you to know what Mike's friends thought of him. Looking through my high school yearbook, and finding his message brought a big smile. I had forgotten how he signed everything with Esq. His passing is a loss to us all.

Wayne Owen rules!

Marva (Homer) Sadler

July 22, 2002

Mike was such a bright spot in my life, and such a great friend and example during high school. We shared so many interests and experiences: Debate, the High School Musical, the One Act Play, and especially, Legislative Forum. Mike always provided the best competition, and the best team support. His friendship was golden. I will never forget.

John Garr

July 17, 2002

Mike and I grew up together, from age five through high school. I will always remember him as an especially kind and empathetic person. Even since childhood, he seemed to consistently try to find the good in others, a trait that most of us kids did not appreciate at the time (and one which we should probably all continue to work on). We had many fine days of "fort digging", sledding and skiing together, and those memories will last my life. I am so sorry at his passing. My very best wishes and condolences to Diana, George, Laura and Ned.

David Simmons

July 16, 2002

Mike,

Its been many years since we laughed, joked, studied, and debated about anything and everything during heady days at "dear old Davis High". Your infectious good humor brought out the best in us all.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all your family and friends that sustained you over the years. Your spirit and our memories of times with you will remain a wonderful gift to us all.

Michaelle Heath Gammell

July 16, 2002

Dear Penley Family,

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. He will always be a bright spot in my memory of High school. I remember Mike and my brother Mark, trying to outwit each other, always with laughter. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this time of such loss.

Sincerley,

Michaelle Heath Gammell

Blaine and Jann Storey Leonard

July 16, 2002

To Mike's Family -

We enjoyed Mike's humor, ambition, brilliance, insight, independence, and creativity through our High School years, and have thought of him often. He was a good friend during those fun years. It is a great loss that his life was cut short in so many ways. Now he is free from some of those constraints so he can once again expand and explore his great potential.

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

nate

July 15, 2002

hey mike ..

word came yesterday in an email from mom, and it's hard to find words that express how i feel. i spent the night remembering .. your uncompromising spirit, how you were never a spectator, hearing your voice, your mind separating the subtle from the dense smoothly and with great skill.

tonight i'm toasting you with a phrase from du bellay that's inscribed on a crest overlooking the harbor of nice: "heureux qui comme ulysse a fait un beau voyage" – happy the one who like ulysses has made a beautiful voyage.

to you, my friend. i won’t say goodbye.

Julie Olson

July 15, 2002

Diana, George, Laura and Ned:

I am heartbroken. Michael was a bright spot, in so many ways, during our years at Davis High School. My family and I are thinking of you. It is a loss for all of us.

Betty Brand

July 15, 2002

Thoughts about Michael

"My candle burns at both ends;

It will not last the night;

But oh my foes, and oh my friends-- It gives a lovely light."

by Edna St. Millay

We were the lucky few who were there

when his "candle burned so bright",

and our lives are forever richer from knowing Mike.

The 1974-77 Davis High Debate Squad and Mrs. Brand.

bright

Bart Uharriet

July 15, 2002

To the Penley family:

I am deeply saddened by this tragedy and my heart-felt sympathy is with you. I'll always remember Mike as the brilliant high school orator, student legislator, and debater that he was. I heard him make speeches as a teenager that were truly moving--he had incredible talent and I was very fortunate that he shared it with me (as well as many others). I hope he has gone to a better place. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.

Sincerely,

Bart R. Uharriet

Cheryle (Moyer) Elliott

July 14, 2002

Your family involves my earliest memories. It is sometimes difficult for me to accept that which I cannot change. But I believe that there is a reason for everything.

I wish you all the best

Deepest condolences

Cheryle

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