Michael Don Ybarguen

Michael Don Ybarguen, 52, died September 14, 2020, at his home in Sandy, Utah. Like many family members before him, he was taken too soon by ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The cruelties of “Lou Gehrig’s disease” did not erase Mike’s laugh, nor his love for his wife, Tammy, his beautiful daughters, and his precious grandchildren; or his enjoyment of old cars, aimless rides, rock n’ roll music (preferably heavy metal), home improvement shows, enticing food recipes, and flowers — especially roses.

Mike was born in Murray, Utah, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1968, to Darlene Boren Ybarguen and Ralph J. Ybarguen. He and his big brother Joe grew up in Midvale with a rambunctious gang of kids, many of whom have remained treasured friends all their lives. He graduated from Hillcrest High School, earned a degree at Salt Lake Community College, and became a skilled electrician by trade. Proud of the heritage reflected in his surname, Mike has a colorful arm tattoo of the Basque lauburu, a swirling four-winged cross. He dreamed of visiting Spain and France’s historic Basque Country.

Mike married Tonya Teeples in 1989. Though later divorced, together they are the parents of three lovely daughters: Tayler Ybarguen Brown (Tony); Talia Gomez (Deejay); and Tianna Rasmussen (Kayden). A true joy for “Papa Mike” has been the gift and beaming faces of his little grandchildren. He and Tammy Gruwell Andrelczyk married in 2017. She has been his caring angel these last, challenging years.

Mike’s parents preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy; his brother Joe Ybarguen  (Vickie); his daughters Tayler, Talia and Tianna, and their husbands; stepchildren, Meagan,  Jennifer, Stacy and Heather; many, and often close, extended relatives; and his grandchildren, Mia, Mason and Crue, and step-grandkids, Camdyn and Madalyn.

Tayler promises her dad that she “will make sure to attend every car show that I can — because those were the best of times.” And Talia will never forget the family’s rides and day trips, through town and country, vowing to “always take the long way home.”

When Tianna told Mason that his Grandpa Mike, who had been in decline and pain for so long, was now “going to sleep forever,” the 3-year-old told her, “It’s okay, Mommy. He will wake up again, and he will be so happy.”

A viewing is planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2020, followed by a service at 11:30 a.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, in Taylorsville, Utah. Those wishing to do so might consider making donations in Mike’s name to the Utah chapter of the ALS Association, toward a battle that was dear to his determined heart.

Please go to:  https://vimeo.com/459457229   to view funeral services held Friday, September 18, 2020. 

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