Mike Sanders

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
(2 Timothy 4:7)

John Michael "Mike" Sanders entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2024 surrounded by family at his home in Ogden, Utah. He was diagnosed on November 3, 2023 with an aggressive brain cancer known as Glioblastoma.

Born on July 23, 1953 in Ogden, Utah, Mike was the oldest son of six siblings. He spent his childhood years playing baseball, riding his bicycle, and hanging out with the Favero Family in the Washington Terrace neighborhood. Mike moved to southern California at the age of 17 and graduated in 1971 from Lowell High School in Whittier, California.

In the 70’s and 80’s Mike attended several colleges including two years at Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA) and was a successful business owner in California. After returning to Utah in the early 90’s, Mike became Youth Pastor at Washington Heights Church where he devoted nearly 20 years of his life sharing Jesus’ love with others. This opportunity was among the biggest joys of his life. Mike eventually retired as Executive Pastor in 2011. He spent the following years enjoying semi-retirement and selling real estate part-time with his daughter-in-law Jordan. His passionate love for family, connection, and God was evident in every aspect of his life.

Mike’s intellectual curiosity led him to explore a vast range of topics. He enjoyed reading philosophy and history, but his favorite book was the Bible. He achieved his dream of graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah in 1996. Mike loved the outdoors. He would often be found sitting in his favorite spots enjoying the sun and listening to music. Mike also loved playing golf, pickleball, road biking and motorcycle trips, traveling with his wife Margy and their friends, and spending time with his grandchildren who know him fondly as “Papa.”

Mike is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margy, his daughter April (Christian), his son Jacob (Jordan), and his four grandchildren Taelyn, Emery, Aria, and Leo. He is also survived by step-father Harry and his siblings Judy, Caryn (Geno), Curt (Kathy), Debbie (Steve), and Darren. Mike is preceded in death by his mother Velma “Judy,” father John, and half-brother Jimmy.

Mike’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at Washington Heights Church on Saturday, February 3rd at 11am. 1770 E 6200 S, Ogden, UT, 84405. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mike Sanders Memorial Tree Fund. Mike’s ashes will be spread by family members in his favorite places at a later date.

“Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)