Michael David Wiggill

July 31, 1959 ~ February 20, 2017

Viewings: Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 6-8pm at the Pleasant View 8th Ward, 250 W Elberta Drive and again on Monday prior to the service from 10-10:40 am

Funeral service: Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11:00am at the Pleasant View 8th Ward, 250 W Elberta Drive

Interment: Ogden City Cemetery

Because of the sacred nature surrounding his funeral, the family requests that no Santa hats be worn the day of the funeral, but may be worn to his viewing. Any other red attire would be appropriate. Thank-you for your respect in this matter.

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Pleasant View-Our loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Michael David Wiggill, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 20, 2017, after a short but valiant battle with brain cancer. Mike was born on July 31, 1959 to Elaine Bolander and Kirt G Wiggill. He was the eighth of nine children. He was raised in Ogden where he graduated from Ogden High School in 1976 and attended Weber State College. Mike married Linda Wells in the Ogden Temple for time and all eternity, in October of 1983. They have been married for 33 years. They have one son, his pride and joy, Nick. Mike worked for many years in the soft drink industry and then in real estate, where he made many life-long friends. Mike enjoyed the outdoors, going fishing in Vernal, cooking, and watching sports. He also enjoyed the many things he was able to do with his nephew Jeremy, who was like a second son. After the passing of his mother, Mike became the keeper of his brothers and sisters. He was always willing to do whatever it took to help in any way. Other than being a father, the greatest joy of his life was being Santa. This became a year round passion for him, making it a priority to bring joy and happiness to those around him not just at Christmas but every day. Mike was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in a variety of callings. His greatest experience was being called to serve in the Bishopric. Mike was quick with a joke and had a sense of humor that he used to the very end. Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Nick; siblings: Shauna Stevens, Paul, John, Bonnie Munson, A'Layne Smith, Terry and Suzanne; with many nieces, nephews and cousins who called him "grandma". Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Alan and Uncle Max. The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses, caregivers and therapists who attended to Mike. We also thank those who have donated to help cover his medical costs. Accounts have been set up at America First and Goldenwest Credit Unions to help with additional costs. Because of the sacred nature surrounding his funeral, the family requests that no Santa hats be worn the day of the funeral, but may be worn to his viewing. Any other red attire would be appropriate. Thank-you for your respect in this matter. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11:00am at the Pleasant View 8th Ward, 250 W Elberta Drive. Viewings will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 6-8pm at the church and again on Monday prior to the service from 10-10:40am. Interment will be in the Ogden City Cemetery.

http://www.gilliesfuneralchapel.com/webpages/Individual_obits/2017/Michael%20David%20Wiggill.html

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Pleasant View's Mike Wiggill remembered as true Santa

WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 22, 2017 - 5:00 AM

MATT HERP/Standard-Examiner

In this photo from Nov. 26, 2016, Santa Claus, performed by Mike Wiggill, reacts after turning on a switch igniting fireworks and the lights to Christmas Village in Ogden. He is pictured with Grand Marshall of the Ogden Electric Light Parade Maddy Johnson, 14.

JANAE FRANCIS, Standard-Examiner Staff

OGDEN — Mike Wiggill learned to be a true Santa Claus.

Wiggill, 57, who died of brain cancer Monday morning, Feb. 20, is remembered by those who knew him best as someone who embodied Santa’s attributes.

Recognized as a man who looked like the “Jolly Old Elf,” the Pleasant View resident played Santa at Ogden’s Christmas Village and elsewhere.

People say he took on Santa’s characteristics as he spread the Christmas spirit until his dying days.

“He looked the part. He acted the part. He lived the part. He was a truly wonderful man,” said Jay Lowder, public service director for Ogden City. “It’s a big loss for the village.”

“It’s always helpful if you look like Santa but even more if you have a heart like Santa,” said Craig Bielik, a member of the Christmas Village organizing committee.

While a cancer diagnosis last fall cut Wiggill’s Santa career short, his giving nature did not stop.

“It was hard for me to understand that he was as ill as he was because he was so happy,” Bielik said, noting Wiggill adopted Santa’s laugh and sported a twinkle in his eye.

In this photo from Nov. 26, 2012, Santa, played by Mike Wiggill, hands Emylie Parker a gift after the family was given a new home in Pleasant View by Have a Heart Home.

Wiggill was featured in this year’s downtown Ogden Electric Light Parade and opening of Christmas Village.

“He was so cute with the Make-A-Wish child,” Bielik said of Wiggill’s yearly turning on the Christmas Village lights with that child. “We have to wait back stage for a half an hour. Mike always made it a party for that person.”

In his private life, Wiggill worked as a Realtor and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bret Liechty, of Pleasant View, said he was in the same LDS ward as Wiggill for much of the last two decades.

“I would always go to Mike when I needed someone to make me laugh,” Liechty said. “He always had a really good joke to tell. Every time I saw him, I would poke him in his belly and he would laugh like the Pillsbury Dough boy.”

Liechty said Wiggill was caring and humble. “He would drop anything to help someone out,” he said.

“He was such a caring individual,” said Ginny Brimley, a personal friend. “He brought light to this world.”

PHOTOS: The 2016 Electric Light Parade

“All of our 22 grand kids know him as Santa,” said Debbie Jones, who until recently lived in North Ogden. “Mike Wiggill was the real deal.”

To know him was to love him, she said. “He was a genuine friend. He would stop by and make sure everything was okay. We loved him.”

Wiggill always had candy for everyone, said Keith Stubbs, owner of Wiseguys Comedy Club in Ogden. “He always had such a jovial laugh and happy disposition — a true Santa Claus. He often would participate in the comedy hypnosis shows dressed up as Santa to the delight of everyone on stage.”

“Mike is one of the most giving and charitable people on earth,” said a GoFundMe.com site that raised $4,255 for Wiggill’s medical expenses. 

Weber County Commissioner Kerry Gibson said he met Wiggill 13 years ago.

“He was very engaged in his community and making his community a better place,” Gibson said.

A Republican delegate, Gibson said Wiggill was engaged on a high level. He had strong, passionate opinions and was proactive, Gibson said. He didn’t just complain about circumstances. He offered solutions.

He didn’t save Santa for Christmas, Gibson said.

“It became his mission in life to take on those characteristics that would make people happy and smile,” Gibson said.

His kind, caring nature came out when Wiggill first posted a Facebook message about his cancer, Gibson said. “He basically said ‘I have cancer. Don’t feel sorry for me. A lot of people have gone through this. I know the Lord has a plan for me. Be happy for what that plan is for each and every one of us.’”

The post — at a time when life must have been difficult — was proof that playing Santa wasn’t an act, Gibson said.

“To me, there is a connection with a person who gave like he did and enjoyed life,” Gibson said. “It seems to me like a recipe for real happiness, given the type of service he gave. That became who he was.”

http://www.standard.net/Local/2017/02/22/Pleasant-View-Mike-Wiggill-remembered-as-true-Santa-brain-cancer