Mike Barnard

1961 - 2014

March 10, 1961 ~ November 15, 2014
When you were talking with Mike Barnard you felt like his best friend and the sun shone only on you. He always told the funniest joke and was the quickest to laugh. His open energy and warm smile allowed him to make friends and feel love everywhere he went.
Michael Allan Barnard was born March 10, 1961 and passed away November 15, 2014, due to a liver transplant and following complications. His last moments were spent with his family and cherished daughter Bailey at his side, tenderly kissing him and making him comfortable.
Mike was one of three busy brothers, born within four years of each other. His charm, charisma, and energy guaranteed everyone always wanted to be near him.
Mike was a great athlete and loved all sports, especially skiing. His brothers Jeff and Richard remember spending winters together at Brighton, flying off the highest ski jump, over and over. Five year old Mike would confidently wait in line watching the teenagers and adults attempt this feat. When his turn came, Oohs, ahhs, and then cheers would erupt from all corners of the resort as young Mike traveled faster and farther than anyone else.
Whether it was a pocket knife or a painting, Mike saw beauty where others couldn't. His last work as a picker took Mike all over the valley through yard sales and thrift stores, making his living and many friends along the way. He had a great eye for treasure and loved hunting for that special piece.
Mike's heaven was eating Grandma Mary's home cooking. He absolutely loved her cream gravy and biscuits, ribs and potatoes, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Mike's mother Lanny and wife Mary Pat learned to prepare these meals just like Grandma did and Mike let them know if it wasn't exact. It was worth it to them to see the huge grin on his face as he leaned back in satisfaction from his last piece of warm apple pie.
Mike was one of many people we all know and love that struggled daily with the disease of addiction. Everyone in Mike's life including his wife Mary Pat, daughter Bailey, Mom Lanny, Dad Jack, and brothers' Jeff and Richard tried to help him conquer this disease. They are his heroes, standing by his side through all times, never giving in to the disease and never giving up.
Mike succeeded in having several years of sobriety many times throughout his life. We enjoyed these times with him thoroughly and are very grateful for them.
Mike was encircled by cherished family during his last days. We will remember him this same way with a small service for immediate family. Our family feels everyone's prayers, thoughts, love and we thank you. Our family also wishes to thank the many care givers, therapists, doctors, friends, and facilities that cared for and supported Mike over the years.
We would love to see your pictures, videos, and read your memories of Mike. Please share them with us on Legacy.com and in Lieu of flowers please make donations to Odyssey House of Utah.
We'll be enjoying holiday meals soon, and we will miss Mike with every bite. His spirit lives on through each of us, and we promise to laugh quicker, tell more jokes, and enjoy the moment, just like he did. We love you Mike.