Michael Jay Syme (October 21, 1961 — October 3, 2024)
On October 3, 2024, Michael Jay Syme passed away after sharing a final evening with his daughters. In his typical style, Mike’s final moments reflected his unique, larger-than-life spirit. The rare illness that perplexed doctors seemed fitting for a man as unique and undefinable as Mike.
Born October 21, 1961, Mike was a class clown, an athlete, and an artist. He served an LDS mission in Japan, where he discovered his love for people and storytelling. In his twenties, he experimented with life–earning a business degree, writing a novel, publishing a book of comic strips all before landing on his career as a speaker where he traveled the world – achieving four million-miler status in his lifetime. He was the proud father of two daughters, Rylee and Shaylee and later a son, Stryder, whom he adored.
Known for his bold personality, Mike had a sharp mind and a heart full of generosity. He loved art, music, Led Zeppelin, sports, and the underdogs in life. His door was always open, his home always full, and his friends were lifelong. Despite the challenges of becoming legally blind in 2019, Mike continued to find joy in projects, travel, and the love of his family and friends.
Mike lived his life to the fullest, saying he lived multiple lifetimes in his 62 years. He cherished life’s big adventures and simple pleasures–phone calls with friends, family moments at home, and sharing his boundless love. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit remains unforgettable.
Mike is survived by his three children, Rylee, Shaylee, and Stryder; Rylee’s partner Shaun Frazier; his brother Richie; Richie’s wife Karen; his four nephews, Shane, Brandon, Chase, and Kyle; his partner of seven years, Astrid Chavarry; his best friends, Dana Monson, Curtis Breitweiser, Danny Shupe, Pat Jamison, and too many others to include but who were all loved.
A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, on Sunday, October 13, from 6pm-8pm. An additional viewing will be held in North Ogden on Monday, October 14th at 9:30am, followed by the funeral service at 11am; 575 E 3100 N, North Ogden, UT 84414. He will be buried at Ben Lomond Cemetery.
For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. For the streaming link, and to read more about Mike’s life visit www.larkinmortuary.com