Born in Salt Lake City to Douglas A. and Grace Blake Muir, Mike was adventurous, wise, present, loving, patient, funny, and kind. Among his greatest accomplishments is the simple fact that all six of his children consider him to have been a mentor and friend, one of the first people to call when making decisions, solving problems, sharing victories and needing advice or sympathy.
For over 40 years he worked beside his father and friend, Douglas A. Muir, as the owner and operator of Fairmont Bowl. The bowling alley was a second home and social center for thousands over the years. He loved the game and the people there.
In the early 1970's he bought an old farm house on 20 acres in Sandy where he boarded and bred quarter horses, farmed, built a dune buggy and enjoyed the close proximity to skiing in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Mike had a true love of adventure. Over the years he became an open ocean navigator, a private airplane pilot, hiked Mt. McKinley, was a diehard powder skier, tennis player, rancher and horse owner, fisherman, bicyclist, scuba diver, bow hunter, and cave explorer. He was an avid learner and taught himself Spanish and devoured science and history periodicals and books.
Twenty-three years ago he married the love of his life, Janet Fors DeGain. During their lives together, they had many adventures and touched many lives. Mike and Jan traveled to over 40 countries together, served in their church, and inspired their children. Jan has tirelessly and lovingly stood by his side while he battled Parkinson's disease.
He had a profound relationship with Jesus Christ, continuing nightly prayer even when his ability to speak had otherwise failed him. He served in many ways in his church, and especially loved being a leader and friend to the youth - as he himself stayed forever young at heart. He was a service missionary in Family History with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for several years.
In all he did, he loved the people he associated with, and found the good in everyone.
He is survived by his best friend and wife, Jan, his children and family; Tomi (Mike) McCarthy, Hollie (Daniel) Packman, Teri Klug, Ben (Marie) DeGain, and Kristi (Michael) McHenry as well as his beautiful grand daughters Sydney and Maxine Packman and Elle McHenry and his loving sister, Leslie Ramsey. Mike was previously married to Marita Wetherill Hart and then to Jillinda Hansen Bowers. He is preceded in death by a son, Todd DeGain.
Over the last year, he lived at Silverado Care Facility where our family met some of the kindest and most selfless people we have ever encountered. We are beyond grateful for their love and tender care toward him and us.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Michael D. Muir Donation account at Zions Bank which will in time will become the Michael D. Muir Charitable Foundation.
There will be a visitation Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 at Wasatch Lawn 3401 S Highland Dr Salt Lake City. The funeral services will be held at Mt.Olympus Hills Ward 4176 Adondis Dr. (3950 E) Salt Lake City on Tuesday at noon and another visitation one hour prior at the church.
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