Michael Louis York

YORK, Michael Louis, 72, of Surprise, Arizona, passed from this earth on August 18, 2020 with his beloved wife of 52 years holding his hand. Due to the strange circumstances of this COVID era his four sons, several grandchildren and daughters-in-law were with him via a Zoom call. His passing, though sudden, was peaceful and we rejoice in knowing he is now with his Lord and Savior.

“Pop” as he was affectionately known, was born in Somerset, Kentucky to Ethel Monroe York and Julia Marie York and was the youngest of 7 children. Growing up on a farm in Russell Springs Kentucky, Mike spent lots of time with farm animals, even once raising a pet sheep on a bottle. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing sports. With his lanky 6’3 frame, he excelled at basketball in high school and was an avid, life-long lover of the Kentucky Wildcats.

Pop said it was a dream of his to attend college and graduate because he would be the first in his family to do so. And he did just that-earning an engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati. In 1968 he married Karen Sue Wright a year after meeting her at a church function.

Work took the couple from Cincinnati to Louisville, Kentucky, by which time they had four boys under the age of six. Mike was an excellent provider for his growing family and after working for American Standard he took a job with US Brass and NuCorp in Abilene, Texas. Despite being a busy businessman, Pop coached his son Mike’s baseball team to a Texas state championship tournament-a first for the city! Sports always played a big role in Mike’s life-at one time he served as President of the Fairfield High School Booster Club. Whenever he got the chance you could find him at sporting events for his children and grandchildren; even if it involved traveling to places like Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and West Virginia.

To call Michael a jack of all trades doesn’t really do him justice. He has a U.S. patent to his name for some complicated cooling device which eventually led him to start his own business-Arizona Vortex Tube Manufacturing Company. His gardening skills were legendary and he could literally build and fix anything. He took great pride in doing his own plumbing, carpentry and electrical work-and lived by the mantra of “measure twice-cut once.’’

From crafting custom wood furniture to front porch swings-his hands were calloused with love for his family. One of his greatest achievements is the 1868 farm house in Fairfield, Ohio that Mike, along with Karen and family restored and rebuilt from the ground up. The spectacular house became quite the showstopper family home, even hosting a wedding reception. In fact, every home Mike lived in became better than it was before-such was his talent for fixing up.

Further proof of his renaissance man status was Michael’s culinary skills. Cooking for his loved ones was a passion he relished! Whether it be Christmas Day breakfast for extended relatives; Thanksgiving feasts; or regular Sunday night dinners Michael made it special. His chili is legendary, and count yourself lucky if you got to taste his lemon poppy-seed pancakes or his famous London broil.

Of course beside every great man is a great woman and Pop did everything with his best friend Karen by his side. Their 52-year marriage was a true testament to love, devotion and affection and produced four sons; Michael II (Emily); Kevin; Chris (Karin); and Bill (Nicole). He loved his boys and their partners wholeheartedly and would do anything for them and his beloved grandchildren; Michael L. York III (Trey); Cooper; Lauren; Garet; Charli; Spencer; Earl; and Kate. Michael is also survived by his siblings, Frank, Charlotte (Amburgy) and Lula Bell (Lawson); step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pop was adored by all who had the honor of knowing him. He was a true patriarch and Godly man who left this earth better simply by existing. His family and friends will miss him terribly and strive to honor his memory and legacy everyday.

A Private Family Service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Mike to Spencer’s Place-15341 W. Waddell Road, Suite 101 Surprise, Arizona 85379 (spencersplaceaz.com).

To sign the guestbook online, to share memories, and send condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.