Michael Lee

Michael Jeffrey Lee was born on October 18, 1981 in Provo, Utah to Robin Wakamatsu Mountford, a physician assistant and gifted artist, and Jeffrey Lee, a mathematics professor and avid guitar player. Both parents endowed him with an outstanding intellect. Growing up he learned Tae Kwon Do, was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, studied Shakespeare and theater, participated in the Boy Scouts and developed a skilled hand at drawing. He graduated high school two months early.

Michael then went on join the United States Marine Corps where he was an infantryman. He completed some college, very much enjoying to learn. Michael loved to read and even had a photographic memory. He was able to memorize just about all of modern medicine as a hobby! He could expound on any topic at length due to his thirst for knowledge.

A philosopher as well, Michael was interested in the mysteries of life and what lay beyond human understanding. He loved to explore thought and ideas and kept copious notes. Michael took an interest in the powers of the mind. “My mind is a transmitter and a receiver of thought.”

He was extremely well spoken and he knew how to present himself well, with confidence. Being very gifted with language served him well in the field of sales, where he would naturally build rapport with clients and coworkers alike. He was always fastidious in his dress and made an excellent first impression.

Michael had the chance to be a father with his wife Angela. Together they have a son, Eric, who he adored. He made a point to attend as many prenatal as well as pediatric visits as he could.  He was a very strong presence in his young son’s early life. He would make up songs and nicknames for Eric and filled his first year with memories.

At 6’2”, with a strong, robust, able body, he was more than capable of defending himself and those he loved but he never went looking for a fight. He was more of a gentle giant, a lover not a fighter.

Michael wasn’t afraid to express to others that he loved them. In fact, he and his wife would often say that love was their religion.

Always young at heart and youthful, Michael didn’t look his age. Nearly 40 at his passing, everyone always thought he was in his 20s or 30s. He had a passion for body building, dancing and he had a sense of humor that kept him young.

Michael believed in the power of prayer and in a merciful God. He was interested in inspiring others to be their best and strive for success. No one was beneath him and he was willing to extend friendship to all. “Allow your mental program to support success. Struggle is an indicator that you are attempting to override your mental programming.” Through his own struggles he gained a strong sense of empathy for others and the often painful human condition.  Michael was  polite and cared about everyone. He knew how to create special memories and forge unforgettable bonds with all. He was always moved to take action when he saw a need for help.

He loved and respected nature. He and his wife and child would go out for walks almost daily and he would pause to appreciate the beauty and fragrance of flowers. He was kind to animals, with a special affinity for cats, and he wouldn’t even kill a spider, preferring to put it outside.

In his final weeks of life his focus was on developing conscious presence, slowing down and really being present for life.   “Now I’ve had my fair share of setbacks. Humblingly so. Yet, I still hold to the idea that within all of us lies a fire. A flame for greatness.”

Michael was larger than life and he survived many things including being thrown from a vehicle in an accident, being hit by a maintenance truck, catching COVID, and having pneumonia twice. This is why it was so unbelievable that he passed as early and as suddenly as he did.

His passing was on July 3, 2021 due to a seizure at work. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital but they could not revive him. He is survived by his wife Angela and son Eric. Other living family members are his mother Robin Mountford, stepfather Kevin Mountford, father Jeffrey Lee and stepmother Maria Lee, brothers Aaron Lee, Isaiah (Samantha) Mountford and Solomon Mountford and his stepsister Jessica Williams.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 11 am at Highland City Cemetery, 6100 West 11000 North, Highland. A viewing will be held prior from 9:45 to 10:45 am at Anderson and Sons Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland. Please share a memory of Michael on his tribute wall.