Michael Richard Atwood - Walker Funeral Home

Michael Richard Atwood returned home to his Heavenly Father on January 16, 2022, at the age of 72. He died from complications of Covid pneumonia and was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Mike was born January 11, 1950, to Archie Richard and Mary Darlene Keele Atwood. He was the second of four children with three sisters, Sharon, Robyn and Melanie. Mike was an outstanding athlete and lettered in four sports: football, baseball, basketball and track. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1968 and got a full ride scholarship to BYU to play basketball. Mike served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Korea. He faithfully wrote to his sweetheart, Marilyn Moody and they were married on June 1, 1972, in the Provo Temple.

Mike graduated from dental school in Chicago receiving his DDS degree. He set up a dental practice in Spanish Fork, Utah and served the community for over 40 years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed horseback riding, boating, camping, hunting, fishing and BYU sports. He loved to travel and to spend time with his family.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike faithfully served in many different callings including; Bishop, High Councilor to his home Stake and served as a High Councilor in BYU 3rd Stake. He served many years of his life as a scoutmaster and earned many prestigious awards, including scouter of the year, and the Silver Beaver. Mike loved working in scouting and has influenced countless youth.

Mike had health challenges, but he loved to live and serve others. He was always turning outward and helping others in need.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 50 years (in June) Marilyn Atwood and his 8 children: Melinda (Robert), Andrew, Aaron (Kelli), Allison (Ron), Richard (Allison), Maranda (Joel), Rebecca (Levi), Rachel (Kirk). He is also survived by his 3 sisters Sharon (Larry), Robyn (Glenn), and Melanie (Robert), 36 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 6 until 8 pm at the Walker Funeral Home at 187 South Main Street in Spanish Fork. A second viewing will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, from 9:45 until 10:45 in the morning, with the funeral service proceeding at 11 o’clock a.m. at the Knoll Park Chapel at 160 South 460 West in Salem. Interment to follow at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Primary Children’s Hospital or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund.

To livestream the funeral services on Monday, January 24, 2022, use the link below just prior to 11 a.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82457135277?pwd=RFFpOExoTDVSeis3cjNGeUpLaTYrUT09

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11 Condolences for Michael Richard Atwood

Condolences(11)

Jan Tabish says

January 20, 2022 at 7:23 pm

Marilyn, we are so very sorry about Mike’s passing. I remember him from school and his kindness and forever smile. May you and your family find peace and comfort as you face the coming days, our prayers are with you. Gene and Jan (Orton) Tabish

REPLY
Robert Beagley says
January 21, 2022 at 8:55 pm

Dear Marilyn, just want you to know that Mike is a great man, a fantastic father, a great husband, a wonderful friend to many. May you always remember the good times you spent with him, and cherish the love you shared with each other. Our father in Heaven knows you by name and is proud of who you are and what you are doing in this life. May you always be willing to keep the commandments and the covenants that you have made thus you will be granted all the Father has in store for you and your family. God bless.

Richard Nelson says

January 20, 2022 at 10:16 pm

I have many good memories of Mike. I was a Scoutmaster the same time that Mike was., I attended the district awards ceremony when Mike received the 1992 Scouter of The Year Award. Very deserving I might add. I played basketball on the MVP Sports basketball team in the Over 40 league with Mike. He was a very aggressive player. I was so glad to be on his team and p-lay with him and not against him…!! I will always remember him, his funeral is on my birthday!! My sincere condolences to his family.

Justin Warner says

January 20, 2022 at 11:18 pm

I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I was one of those youth greatly influenced by Mike. He was my scoutmaster/young men leader for most of my youth. Mike gave me an appreciation and love for the canyons of Southern Utah and the mountains of Northern Utah. Some of my fondest memories of my youth are those campouts–(Coyote Gulch, Box Canyon, 50-miler to Atwood Lake in the high Uintahs)…and who could forget the drives to and from the camps–communicating with truckers on the CB radio–to “walking time-outs” for misbehaving in the Suburban.

My deepest condolences to Marilyn, Andy, Aaron, Richard, Melinda, Allison, and the younger kids I didn’t know. Thank you for sharing your dad with me.

REPLY
Marilyn Atwood says
February 25, 2023 at 12:15 am

Dear Justin,
Here it is, over a year later and I am reading the nice tribute you left on the Walker Mortuary website. Thanks for being a great friend to my boys. We were glad to be in the ward with your wonderful family.

Leonard Foster says

January 21, 2022 at 1:51 am

Sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. He is such a great person, always kind to everyone and never thought that he was better than someone else. I always saw him treat others with respect. He had a very big HEART.

Judy Robinson Spencer says

January 21, 2022 at 9:16 pm

Dear Robyn and family,
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Such a tremendous loss!
Thoughts & prayers for all.
God Bless

LeEarl and Colleen Peck says

January 22, 2022 at 1:16 am

Mike was our families dentist for years. We got to know him very well. We offer our sympathy to Marilyn and the family.

Denise Bradford says

January 22, 2022 at 2:03 am

This just feels so unbelievable. I loved Mike! He ALWAYS had a smile for me and a kind word. Mike and Marilyn were like the brunette version of Barbie and Ken, in 1969. I will remember Mike as a devoted friend. My love to Sharon and the Atwood family. I am so very sorry for your heartache.

Terry L Andrus says

January 22, 2022 at 2:23 am

Marilyn,
So sorry for your loss. The world has lost a great man today. He was a friend to many and loved by all who rubbed shoulders with him. May the Lord be with you and your family.
Sharon, His loss hits hard to all his family both children and sisters. Bless you.

Mike and Linda Gardner says

January 24, 2022 at 4:18 pm

Marlyn and the Atwood family. We are so sorry and surprised at Mike’s passing. Mike was one of the best high school basketball players that I ever saw. It was a Hugh honor to have coached him. But he was an even greater person. You have our sympathy and love. We were both coming to the funeral but COVID has hit us. May God comfort you at this hard time. Coach Mike and Linda Gardner—Spanish fork high. 1967-68

Michael Richard Atwood January 11, 1950 - January 16, 2022

Funeral will be livestreamed. Return to this page shortly before 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022; click on the link below:

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11 Condolences for Michael Richard Atwood