Mike Roberts

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    Our baby brother, Michael Glenn Roberts (AKA Big Mike) completed his earthly journey on Sunday morning, February 25, 2024 at the age of 63 after a long and valiant battle with esophageal cancer.  It took his life, but Big Mike won the battle.  As he passed through the veil, we are sure that he was embraced by his loving parents, friends and relatives who patiently awaited his arrival.   He never lost his sense of humor and determination.  He was so appreciative of, and kind to, those who helped him during this time.  In life, Mike was bigger than life itself.  In death, there is a big hole in the hearts of those who love Mike.  
     Big Mike was born in Roosevelt, Utah on May 30, 1960 to Patrick Glen and Elsie Noreen Roberts.  He was welcomed by five very excited and adoring sisters!  Mike entered this life looking for adventure, and life didn’t disappoint.
    Even as a young man, Mike’s height was a huge advantage to sports teams.  His LDS church group won the regional basketball championship in 1980 - Mike lead the scoring with 24 points.  He also played with the church baseball team.  He excelled and won many medals in boxing and swimming as well.
    He attended Union High School.   He later attended school at UBATC, College of Eastern Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.   Mike had an exceptional gift of remembering places, dates, phone numbers and addresses.  If he ever knew yours, he never forgot it.  
    Mike loved ALL animals.  His best friends were his horses and his dogs – Prince and Denali.  He looked forward to rounding up cows with his brother-in-law for local ranchers.  Mike loved the great outdoors and would have loved to just live in the mountains.  When he was younger, he loved going to the mountains with dad and prospecting on their claims.  His last request was that we take him to the mountains and pitch a tent for him.  That didn’t happen, but he and dad can once again enjoy the view of the mountains together from a heavenly perspective.
    Mike loved working in the oil field in many different states, operating heavy equipment, and driving water trucks.  He had a heart bigger than the entire oil field.  He would volunteer to cover shifts and work every holiday so that others could be home with family on those days.  He made friends wherever he went.  
    Mike was not only large in stature – he was a gentle giant.   His size and demeanor could be intimidating until you got to know his gentle heart.  Mike couldn’t bear to see anyone in need.  He was truly compassionate and generous.  When Mike’s health declined and he knew that he couldn’t give his horses the tender care they deserved, he found a family to give all of his horses to – that included the horse trailer.  Mike was a fiercely loyal friend, and appreciated friends with that same loyalty.  He contacted his friends daily to see how each one was doing.   At the Huntsman Cancer Institute he was known as Big Mike who gave ALL of his caregivers (and others) bracelets.  He bought them by the hundreds and shared with whomever he could.  He also loved all of his nieces and nephews – and they LOVED HIM!  He was always looking for just the right little something for them! They all thought he was big and tough, but learned that he had a pretty soft heart and would do anything for them.
    When riding one of his Harley Davidson motorcycles, he was truly a free spirit.  He loved to ride and be able to just think and clear his mind.  He loved the Bike Runs and being with his biker brothers.  When his health began to decline, he reluctantly parted with his Harley’s and found new freedom in riding his CanAm Spyder.
    As Mike’s health failed, his favorite place to eat and hang out was Marion’s – there with Chad and the crew!  They were so kind and welcoming to him.  He also loved China Star, and shopping at the Ute Plaza and Ute Petroleum because of the kindness they also showed him.  
    Mike is survived by his dog – Denali; his goats – George and Washington; his five sisters – Diane Duncan, Patricia A. Dustin, Lenna Reed (Carlos), Kathy Chastagnol (JP), Margaret Grant (Ray); nieces and nephews – Sherry, David, Gary, Cindee, Curt, Jena, Shaun, Kelly, Trent, Bret, Matthew, Jurene, Kori, Russell, Garrett; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.  
    Mike is preceded in death by his mother and father, Patrick G. and Elsie Noreen Roberts; brothers-in-law – David Duncan, Sr. and Dean O. Dustin.
    His family would like to thank the following for their unconditional and tender care of Mike: Dr. Kyler Black and his nurses Ginney and Haley;  Dr. Timothy Beals and assistant Anna Beth; Speech Pathologist Ani Hass;  Ashleigh and Harley at Canyon Hospice; the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute; Dr. Rossitto - U of U; Lloyd Meacham – a 12 yr cancer survivor and mentor who helped Mike in every possible way.
    Please hop on your motorcycle, (or come in your car) and join us for a celebration of life on March 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ballard Church located at 2561 E Highway 40, Ballard Utah.
    There will be a viewing Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m at the Hullinger Mortuary, and Friday morning prior to services at the Ballard Church from 10:00 to 10:45.
    In lieu of flowers, please take a family member or friend to lunch at Marion’s.  
Per Mike’s wishes, he will be cremated following the services.