Michael Dee Fagg

Michael Dee Fagg-Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Master Storyteller passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories. Mike had a tale for every occasion-some true, some…debatable-but all told with unmatched charm and a twinkle in his eye. He loved to refer to himself as “The Old Fart” and he had the most magnetic charm. People flocked to Mike to joke with him and hear his stories. He could talk for hours about cars, guns, camping and his family-especially his adventures with Sandra, and of course, legendary fish tales-always accompanied by a gesture showing just how big that fish was. He was entertaining and fun and always the life of the party. Mike will be missed by all who knew him, he loved big, worked hard, and served anyone he encountered.

Michael was born November 22, 1945 to Willard and Naomi Fagg in Salt Lake City Utah. Mike was a lifelong mechanic-a “greasemonkey” as he often called himself. He grew up working alongside his father and brothers at their family service station. He loved being there and developing relationships with his customers, many of whom he still considers friends. Mike loved to tinker, especially with his beloved boat, motorhome, and truck. He passed on his affinity for all things mechanical to his grandkids that often showed up to help him with his projects or to tap into his expertise to work on theirs. The joy of everything mechanical is in their DNA.

Mike met the love of his life Sandra while in high school, and though she was a year older than him, he convinced her to become his. They dated until he graduated high school, but she refused to marry him until he completed an LDS mission-an adventure he proudly undertook for her, serving in the New England states mission. Upon completing his mission the two were wed in the Salt Lake Temple, April 20, 1967.

The Vietnam War soon called and Mike was drafted February 18, 1968 to the United States Army. He completed basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas, and then was moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky until he received his deployment orders in October 1968. Mike served in the Army as an S2 Intelligence Clerk from December 1968 to December 1969, when he was honorably discharged. He was ecstatic to return home to meet his first born son, David.

Mike and Sandra completed their family by adding Stacey and Brian. Together they created so many precious memories, camping, fishing, boating, and spending their weekends at Sandra’s family cabin. There they enjoyed time with their extended family, creating unbreakable bonds and many stories. Mike could recount tales for hours of times spent at the cabin. Family ties ran deep and the closeness they shared was palpable.

Sandra and Mike were a match made in heaven. He absolutely adored his beautiful sweetheart and was devastated when just shy of 30 years of marriage Sandra passed away, leaving him, their three children, and the first grandchild on the way. Mike spent the next 28 years honoring her memory in everything he did-especially in being a grandfather. He knew how excited she was to be a grandmother and made it his mission to fill the gap. Whether it was showering his new grandchildren with gifts at the hospital, always having a treat to share, or showing up at their homes to play with them, he made those eight grandchildren the center of his world. He nurtured a relationship with each one of them, supported them in their interests and has cheered them on in any endeavor they have undertaken They adored their “gramps” and every one of them would argue they were his favorite. In recent years he’s taken on five more grandchildren through marriage and loved each of them just as much as his biological grandchildren. He was an amazing grandpa and friend; he will be greatly missed by all of them.

Mike’s happiest moments were spent in the great outdoors with his family. Grand Teton National Park and Lake Powell became sacred places of gathering and tradition, where laughter echoed and memories were made-traditions his children and grandchildren will continue to carry on.

Mike’s life was one full of service, love, and adventure, with a few bumps and bruises along the way. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Michael was preceded in death by his eternal companion Sandra, and his parents Willard and Naomi. He is survived by his children David (Karey) Fagg, Stacey (Clay) Christianson, Brian (Michele) Michaels, and grandchildren Kassy (Braeden), Taylor (Nicci and his first great grandchild on the way), Brayden (Heather), Jessy (Nathan), Riley, Cody (Kelsey), Zack, and Brody as well as his siblings, and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 28 from 6-8 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 29th at 11:00 am with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 at the Wilford Stake Center 1765 E 3080 S, Salt Lake City.

**Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery**