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BORN
1950
DIED
2016
Michael Straley Obituary
"OK, here's the plan. We've got to do this. On Aug. 7th, we have to run the Crystal Springs Trail Half Marathon. It is the perfect race! What could possibly go wrong?" Just past mile 10, in mid stride, John collapsed and died instantly with dirt on his legs, sweat on his brow, and wearing his favorite HOKA's and Dirty Girl Gaiters. As an avid and lifelong competitor, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way
May West said "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough". John did it right. He loved his wife Marilyn Dillon, daughter Emily (Cory), son Michael (Dawn), grandsons Miles, Dillon & Evans; his running dogs Max (deceased), Penny & Andy; horses (Image) and horse shows; siblings Bonnie, Jim, Joe, Barbara, Jerry & Jeff and numerous nieces and nephews; RISK World Cup; hundreds of friends; Polar Bear Club; dinner parties; travel; driving too fast; pool parties; Tuesday Morning Speed Workouts and the Larchmont Track Club; going to the desert; East High (class of 1969); the U of U (BS '74, MBA '77, JD '83); teaching and practicing law; gardening; winning races; and beating cancer.
Many thanks to his fellow runners who assisted during this crisis, Coastal Trail Runs and Race Director, Wendell Doman, the EMT's, and Woodside Fire Dept.
A Memorial Run will be held at the East High Track on Aug. 21st at 8 a.m. Details at chemdog.com/Larchmont. A Celebration of a Life will take place Aug. 22nd from 5:30-9:30 p.m. (program begins at 6 p.m.) at The Garden Place at Heritage Park located at 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave. In lieu flowers donations will be accepted to the John Straley Run for Justice Memorial Fund at the SJ Quinney College of Law, 383 South University Street, SLC, UT 84112 (Attn: Kevin Carillo); to andjusticeforall.org; or to Seashepherd.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Straley
Bruce Baxter
February 7, 2017
I worked with John at the Bankruptcy Court in the 80's. What a decent, funny man. Billy Joel is right, "only the good die young."
Steve Brickley
August 30, 2016
I spoke with John at the race and he was his usual positive self. My son Nathan was able to help in the last moments. I'll miss seeing him jet past me at the races.
Scott Bernhisel
August 26, 2016
I'm running tomorrow, John. A perfect race. Mid Mountain Marathon, Park City. I'm taking your picture with me. What could go wrong?
Monica Archibald
August 22, 2016
John often rubbed his hands together before describing a running workout and said, "This is going to be fun!" Even the most grueling of track workouts somehow did become fun, just with those words and his contagious smile. His selfless dedication to 5:45 am Tuesday morning track workouts will not be forgotten.
Thank you John!
Drew vonLintel
August 22, 2016
It is never easy getting up and out of bed on Tuesday morning at 5:30 to run myself into the ground. However John always had a smile, warm handshake and words of encouragement that helped ease the pain and make it worthwhile. Thank you John.
Linda Harmon
August 22, 2016
Marilyn - so shocked and sorry to hear about John's death - we are stunned. We have so many good memories of showing horses with the two of you. John was always so kind and gracious to us - great sense of humor - great rider - wonderful friend. God Bless you and your family.
Linda & Maren
Sheila Ostrow
August 21, 2016
It was a blessing for me to have known John. He had such a warm and caring spirit & always made me feel welcomed on my visits to Utah. Condolences to Dillion & family.
Paul and Jenny Winget
August 19, 2016
So sorry for your loss Jerry and family.
Pam Wootton Neumann
August 19, 2016
I have only lovely memories of John during our years at East High. I'm sad to learn of his passing. What a true gentleman. My sincere condolences to the family.
Roger Kraft
August 18, 2016
A great man and a great loss to the entire bankruptcy bar in the state of Utah.
Lisa, Greg and Alex Butterfield
August 17, 2016
Our family met John and Marilyn through horses. John, along with Marilyn, was a shining example of good sportsmanship and having your priorities in the right place. Always upbeat and ready to try something different or to encourage someone. He had a smile for everyone. A truly kind and considerate man, he is going to be greatly missed. Sincere and deep condolences to his family for his loss. A genuine class act.
Johanna Nielsen
August 17, 2016
John could be a breath of fresh air in the uppity horse show world. I am glad I consider him, Marilyn and Emily friends. My condolences to the entire family.
Gary Grubb
August 16, 2016
Having been a coworker with John at the Courthouse it was easy to see that he was an eternal optimist. Always upbeat and positive despite the trials and tribulations of the day. He certainly had an effect on my own outlook. Thank you John. And to his family I wish for peace and positivity to prevail through this difficult time.
Mark Millburn
August 14, 2016
John Straley was always a step or two ahead, both on the run and in every day life. John was the REAL DEAL!
John Adamson
August 14, 2016
One of the first new friends I made at East. First guy in our class to earn a varsity letter. We were so jealous of him walking around with that jacket. What a wonderful man and what a wonderful life. Love to all his family and friends.
LaDene (Denie) McInelly Moffett
August 14, 2016
What a way to go, doing something he loved. Condolences to his family for your loss. He was a great guy and fellow classmate.
Kitty Coulter
August 14, 2016
Such a happy, smart man. R.I.P.
Shauna (Terry) Lighthill
August 14, 2016
Johnny, as I grew up knowing him, has a special place in my long list of cousins. The Straley family were always amongst the ones I looked so forward to seeing every year at the Pioneer Park with our moms' side of our families. I'm not surprised to know that John achieved so many things in his life and that running was in his long list of passions. He was seven yrs older than me so as a little kid I admired him and looked up to him because I just knew he was the smartest and most fun guy I knew and I was very proud to announce that he was my cousin whenever I had the chance! That will always be. Johnny is part of a very dear part of my family, and when life paths of people change and we go different directions so unintentionally tend to lose touch it never changes the facts that family is always going to be family. I will always admire you and your brothers and sisters Johnny, same now as I did as a little kid! Love to all of my Straleys! May the Lord bless all of John's loved ones whether family or friends, with comfort and solace throughout this difficult time of change. May everyone remember the blessings of knowing John and the memories they can cherish evermore, for me they're very fond and warmly welcomed ones. I love you cousins!
Kirtley Hopkinson
August 14, 2016
Love you John I miss you and will always remember you!,Love you John I miss you and will always remember you!
Laurie Cayton
August 13, 2016
John was my boss at the U.S. Trustee's office when I started working there as an attorney ... being 4 months pregnant. He gave me his parking spot till the baby was born so I wouldn't slip in the ice between my parking lot and the office. That demonstrates the type of kind and giving boss he was. When he moved to the Court he was a mentor to many and made both of his judges look very wise. John loved life, travel, his family and running. He was always leading the way. Thanks for everything you did to bless the lives of those who were lucky enough to know you John!
Ardath Sheriff
August 13, 2016
John, I will always remember you for your smile. Such a happy man. I admire you for your riding ability, and your winning attitude. Also for giving up riding because Marilyn could not compete anymore. RIP and love to your family.
August 13, 2016
My sincerest condolences.
Stephanie Davies
A runner who cares.
50k
Crystal Springs Trail Run 8/7/16
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