Micheal Claude Hess, 73, passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018, during an accident at Antelope Island State Park, in Davis County Utah. Micheal was born on May 11, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clyde Lamar and Florence Stromberg Hess. He was the second of five boys, and grew up in North Farmington, Utah on the family farm.
Much of his very young childhood was spent in Morgan, Utah with his older brother and best buddy, Gerry, at Grandpa and Grandma Stromberg’s. It was here, Grandpa taught him all the magic and secrets a Fisherman needed to know. Early in life, Mike learned the meaning of hard work.
In addition to his heavy responsibilities at home, he took extra jobs at neighboring farms and while still a very young teen, he gained a reputation as a “Dependable” “Strong” “Knowledgeable” Ranch Hand. This knowledge would lead him eventually to the first love of his life, Antelope Island. Mike always had a close and loving relationship with his Angel Mother, but struggled with his Father.
Striking out on his own at 15, he began working with Heavy Equipment at Wheeler Machinery on the old Wheeler Farm. Here he gained a wealth of knowledge of Equipment Operation and was an accomplished operator. While working at Wheeler’s, Mikes reputation as a Ranch Hand brought him to the attention of Bill Olwell, the Manager of Island Ranches, on Antelope Island.
Bill hired Mike, and moved him and his horse to the Fielding Garr Ranch, on the South end of Antelope Island. The Bunk House quickly became his home and the life of a working Cowboy settled well with him. The work was hard the hours were long, but Mike lived and loved these years.
He always referred to this as the “Happiest time in his life” to that point, and only Uncle Sam could make him leave by calling him up as a Soldier in the United States Army. Before leaving for Vietnam, Mike married Barbara Barton. Like most Vietnam vets, Mike returned to a country that offered nothing to confused and displaced young men, most left self medicating with drugs or alcohol.
He and Barb were soon divorced and he married Teri Winegar. Two sons, Micheal C.W. and Jerry Wayne were born to that marriage, which also ended in divorce. Facing his demons, in 1985, Mike admitted himself to an alcohol rehabilitation program, and with the loving support of his Angel Mother he began putting his broken life back together.
In 1986, sober and determined to honor the memory and name of his Beloved Grandpa Hess, and in keeping with a promise made to his Mother, Mike turned his life around, and never looked back. He met a young single mother who recently had relocated to Utah from Idaho, who reflected the lifestyle he was hoping to attain. After first proposing to her five young children, on June 25, 1986, he married the love of his life, and eternal companion, DeAnne Gailey Hess.
As promised, he became the loving Father to all 5 of them. He raised them, loved them, nurtured them, and in every way became their Dad. On May 12, 1990 they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple.
Together they shared 32 beautiful years, 21 perfect grandchildren, and just welcomed their first great granddaughter in September. Mike worked for Clover Club, the L.D.S. Church, and many construction companies, always returning to Heavy Equipment. Being most skilled as a “Grader” Operator, an achievement of which he was most proud.
While working at Davis County Flood Control, he was more than excited to be a part of the building of the “Causeway” opening a road back out to Antelope Island. He had not been able to return since leaving for Vietnam, and longed to revisit those places he had loved and lived in. In 1994 his body was ravaged by the effects of Agent Orange, and he had to retire.
Never a quitter, and critically ill for a long time, he was determined to enjoy this new and wonderful life he had been blessed with. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord, being Mr. Mom to the kids, and later the companion and caregiver to his beloved Father in law and Best Hunting Buddy ever, Bert. For many years he served every summer as the Camp Host at the Layton Utah Stake Camp at Lake Lyman in the high Uintahs.
He served in his High Priest Group leadership, as a High Priest Group Leader, a Bishopric Counselor, a Stake Missionary, and in the Holmes Creek Stake Mission Presidency. His current and most beloved calling, was working with the Special Needs Primary in the Holmes Creek Stake. Mike loved the youth and cherished his relationships with many who became lifelong dear friends.
He grew a beautiful garden and kept an immaculate, manicured yard. He taught his kids to work hard and then to play hard. He was a master fisherman and Hunter.
He taught his boys to love the outdoors, the proper way to leave a campsite and where to catch the biggest fish. He taught them to respect and shoot guns of every variety, to hunt anything and everything. He taught them life lessons by example.
Most importantly, he taught them, by example, to honor and respect women, as he loved and respected their Mother, teaching by his example to honor their Priesthood and to be loving fathers. His greatest joys were his family and the moments and memories they shared together. His Grandchildren were the light of his life and he was happiest when surrounded by them.
Mike loved being in the mountains with his Sweetheart, a warm campfire, watching the sun set over the island while relaxing on the patio, and a good meal shared with friends. Mike was a Patriot. He loved his country and was proud to have served as a Soldier.
He willingly fought and defended the freedoms he so cherished. Several years ago, Mike finally made his way back to Antelope Island, his first love. He began as a volunteer donating countless days mowing the fields and spraying weeds.
No job there was mundane. Whether he was helping with the Deer, Big Horn Sheep, or the Buffalo, he was content as long as he was surrounded by the beauty of that magical place he had loved for a lifetime. This past summer he accepted a job as a part-time assistant to the Biologist and his good friend, Steve Bates.
Mike left the island for the last time, Tuesday, when he unexpectedly returned to Our Heavenly Father. Watching the sun set over that island will never be the same. We Miss you so!
Mike is survived by his loving wife, DeAnne, of Layton; his devoted Children, 21 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gerry, and his beloved father-in-law and Buddy, Bert Gailey. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 5, 2018, at 11:00 at the Layton Holmes Creek Stake Center, 125 Chapel Dr. Layton.
Friends and Family are encouraged to share memories with the family on Sunday evening, November 4, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Farmington City Cemetery.
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