Howard Joseph Mikolash II

"Mick" "Papa"

Ogden – Mick Mikolash, 65, "Took It To The Limit" for the last time on January 7, 2011 in Ogden, Utah.

Mick was born November 2, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Howard Joseph Mikolash and Orpha Harvey Mikolash.

He was raised and attended school in Magna, Utah, graduating from Cyprus High School in 1964. He went to Weber State College on a swimming scholarship and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Education. He subsequently earned his Master's degree in Education at Weber State in 1984.

Mick taught school in Ogden before entering the Army and proudly served his country as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1973 and resumed his teaching career at Ogden H.S., teaching Science and coaching Swimming for a total of 28 years. He was selected as the UHSAA swimming Coach of The Year in 1989. He was renowned for his sense of humor and he became a legend and thoroughly vexed his principal when he galloped a snorting stallion down the center of Ogden High's football field during halftime of a crucial game. He retired from teaching in 1999 after having touched and enriched the lives of thousands of Ogden's young people.

Mick was proud to raise his three boys; Greg, Matt and Ryan and he married the love of his life and best friend, Barbara Marie Mikolash in Lake Tahoe on October 4, 1995. In doing so, he added two more wonderful children, Cory and Lisa, to his family. Mick and his family enjoyed guiding river trips on the Snake River near Jackson Hole, WY during the summers. He was an avid gardener who thoroughly enjoyed coaxing life from any soil he could dig his hands into and drew tremendous joy from playing with his grandchildren.

Mick is survived by his wife, Barbara of Ogden; his children, Greg of Salt Lake; Matt (Liz) of Dugway and Ryan of Milwaukee, WI and Cory Jensen and Lisa (Hyke) Hasratian. Also survived by his brother, Lowell H. (Gail) of So. Jordan and his six grandchildren; ShaeLynn, SaVanna, Bryton, Averie, Alexandria and Thomas and his in-laws, Reid and Donna Jacobson.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Suzanne Mikolash.

Graveside services, under the direction of Myers Mortuary, will be held on Wednesday, January 12th at 1 p.m. at Ogden City Cemetery, 20th and Madison Ave.

Mick's family would like to thank friends and family and special thanks to Alpine Hospice, specifically Suzie, Andrea and Millerd. They are all true angels, and we are grateful for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or contact Ogden School District Foundation to donate to a Scholarship Fund in Mick's name.

http://www.myers-mortuary.com/obituary/Howard-Joseph-Mikolash-II/Ogden-UT/881238