Michael Caulfield

Michael O’Brien Caulfield passed away in the early morning hours of November 5, 2023.  Although we will miss him terribly, Mike had a much-awaited reunion to attend, reuniting with his wife and the love of his life, Sherry.  Mike and Sherry had been married for over 51 years when she left us in 2015; the reunion must have been wonderful.

Michael was born on September 4, 1942, to Lawrence and Frieda Caulfield in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Mike loved Utah and often commented there was no other place he would rather reside.  He grew up in Granger surrounded by extended family where he spent his youth working on his Uncle’s dairy and beet farm, milking cows before and after school, and caring for the beet fields.

After graduating from Granger High School, Mike attended Utah State University, attaining a degree in Civil Engineering.  Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he worked for Kennecott Copper for over 20 years.  He then embarked on a second career joining Trans-A-Matic:  a successful transmission shop in Magna, owned and operated by his friends Darrell and Doug Bawden.  As a new partner, he helped expand the business to include car sales and a car wash.  After retirement from Trans-A-Matic, Dad bothered Mom for a few years and then took a job with the Larry H. Miller Group in security at the Vivint Arena and Ball Park where he worked for 16 years.  Mike enjoyed working at the Arena.  He just loved people.

While attending Utah State, Mike went on a blind date; she was a cosmetology student from Orem, Utah.  In his words, “I met the most beautiful girl that night.”  This beautiful girl, Sherry, became his life and eternal partner on June 18, 1964, when they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Michael and Sherry spent their first years of marriage living in “the honeymoon cottage” on his Uncle’s property.  The couple then resided for a short time at his mother’s home where their first child (Wendy) was born in 1966.  After the birth of Wendy, the new family purchased a home in Granger, Utah, and soon after, they had a son (Brien) born 16 months later.  This home in Granger would be his home for the rest of his life.  Mike loved being around close friends and family, but most of all, he enjoyed being at his cabin above Kamas, Utah.  Hunting Northern Utah and fly fishing in the Provo and Weber Rivers with the flies he tied were favorite pastimes.

Dad had many interests and hobbies throughout his life which included leatherworking, fly tying, and motorcycle trips on his beloved Gold Wing with Mom on the back.  As charter members of The Temple Riders Association, they visited many LDS temples on their motorcycle trips across the US.  Mike loved sports and watched it all, but he LOVED basketball…. Go Jazz!

Above all, Michael’s true passion was woodworking.  He enrolled in wood shop classes at the Salt Lake Community College where he honed his skills.  Mike was a master craftsman, making most of the furniture for his cabin and home.  He became an expert on the lathe and loved to turn a piece of wood into something beautiful, spending hundreds of hours in his wood shop at home creating his art.  Mike’s woodworking skills are on display in many of his friend’s and family’s homes.

Michael and Sherry were faithful, dedicated members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  His love for his Savior was central to his life.  He selflessly served God in many callings including as Bishop and a member of the High Council, and was passionate about the scouting program.  Together, he and Sherry served two missions:  one in the Ivans Ward for over a year, and another at The Utah State Prison in their Family History department for 2 ½ years.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence O’Brien and Frieda Wendel Caulfield and his wife Sherry LaNae Dittmore Caulfield.  He is survived by daughter Wendy Ann (Gary) Acord; son Brien LaMar (Karalee) Caulfield; grandchildren Clinton “Clint” Ray Calder, Cayden O’Brien Caulfield, Savannah Marie Calder (Christian Olsen), Michaelann LaNae Acord; and great-grandchild Ryker Keith Calder.

Viewing

Sunday, November 12, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 pm

McDougal Funeral Home

4330 S Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah

Funeral

Monday, November 13, 2023

Viewing 10:00 – 10:45 am

Funeral Service 11:00 am

LDS Stake Center

3120 W 4700 S, Taylorsville, Utah