D. Michael Edson, M.D.
February 12, 1941 - February 2, 2026
Dr. D. Michael Edson, a distinguished physician, lifelong Utahn, and masterful storyteller, passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City on February 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A man of immense intellect and sharp wit, Mike was known as a champion of the one-liner who could command any room with his humor and a perfectly timed story.
Born in 1941 in San Francisco, Mike’s roots were firmly planted in Ogden, Utah. He was a proud graduate of Ogden High School’s class of 1959, where he played basketball for the Tigers and was affectionately known by close friends as the “Cream o’ Weber.” His legendary work ethic was forged early as he worked the Southern Pacific Railroad in order to help pay his way through medical school. He attended Weber State College and graduated from the University of Utah, where he earned his MD in 1966.
Mike’s professional life was defined by excellence, honesty, and service. He served as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Germany from 1970 to 1973 before returning home to become a pillar of Utah’s medical community. As a radiologist, he was board-certified in both diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology. He served as Chief of Radiology at the University of Utah, then in private practice as Chief of Radiology at Pioneer Valley Hospital. He held leadership roles with the Utah State Radiological Society and was elected to Fellowship in the American College of Radiology in 1993.
After “working like hell” for over 40 years, Mike retired in 2007, beginning a joyful chapter he called “Coming Out of the Darkroom… Into Daylight.” This era was dedicated to the outdoors, his many intellectual pursuits, and his unwavering loyalty as a diehard University of Utah sports fan. Mike was also a sophisticated student of the West, with a deep passion for art of the West, Native American art, and artifacts. An avid sportsman, he spent his time fly fishing Western rivers, hunting geese at the Chesapeake Duck Club, and saltwater fly fishing. Throughout his life, he was a true lover of Labradors, sharing many of his favorite years in the field with his loyal hunting dogs. Many of his happiest hours were spent alongside his brother Bill, who was his favorite fishing and hunting partner.
Above all, Mike’s greatest pride was his family. He especially loved traveling the world with the love of his life of 58 years and creating many wild and crazy memories with his three girls. Sons-in-law brought some needed testosterone to the family, and his grandkids kept him busy with gymnastics, football, volleyball, lacrosse, band, and the arts.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Becker Edson, and their three daughters:
• Missy (Thad Reeves) of Phoenix, AZ, and daughters Madeleine and Gracie
• Sarah of Park City, UT, and her children Smith and Ella
• Erin (Mike Ruzek) of Park City, UT, and their children Becker and Sage
He is also survived by his brother Bill and his sister Carol Sue.
Mike leaves behind a world made better by his service and a family who will continue to share his stories for generations. Cheers to never-ending fishing spots off old roads where the sun is always out and the water is always clear.
Celebration of Life: Monday, February 23 • 6-00 to 9:00 pm • Rice Eccles Stadium, Ken Garff University Club, U of Utah, (*venue has requested guests bring I.D. to enter)
To honor Mikes generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to The Nature Conservancy. Your support will continue the work that meant so much to him. A special thanks to Huntsman Home Hospice and Love at Home Caregivers.
In Loving Memory
So sorry to hear of cousin Mike’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to Karen, daughters & grandchildren.
Kathy & Lowell Stone
Cave Creek, Az
Dear Edson Family, Our office noted with sadness the passing of your loved one, Dr. D. Michael, and we wish to send our condolences and sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of bereavement. As a member of Weber State University’s extended family, friends and associates will miss him. While we realize a condolence letter cannot lessen your sense of loss, we want to let you know that his achievements and contributions were appreciated at Weber State University. Sincerely, Nancy B. Collinwood Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Weber State University Alumni Associaton
Ogden, UT
We have known Karen and Mike through a western art appreciation group CALF. Mike made the group a success with his enthusiasm and good ideas for fun and informative things to do. Edison family, Karen especially, please accept our sincere sympathy at this time. We will keep you in our thoughts.
Barbara and Stuart Young
Taylorsville, UT
Dear Karen, We were so sorry to read about Mikes Passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and you have our deepest condolences. Mike was always so pleasant and fun to be around. May his memory be eternal. Estelle and Michael Kevitch
Estelle and Michael Kevitch
Salt Lake City, Utah
Karen and family, our thoughts are with you. I (Ric) grew up just a few blocks from Mike in Ogden, Utah. Had the opportunity to associate with Mike over the years as our group of guys associated with Mike's group of guys also. I recall Mike playing BB for the OHS Tigers and his patented left handed jump shot. Mike was a great guy and our paths continued to cross frequently over the years . Sending our love, Ric and Claudia Hammond
Ric and Claudia Hammond
Salt Lake City, Utah
My wonderful memories of Mike include so many chats standing on the sidewalk. He loved and visited my 65% black lab mutt. She was injured when I found her and Mike graciously looked at her x-rays and helped me make the right decision; ignore the emergency vet’s amputation recommendation. “Do nothing but keep her cast dry, “he laughed. Mike knew that keeping a lab pup out of the water bowl would be a challenge! He kindly told me that pups and babes can heal miraculously and she did! I am very grateful to have enjoyed Mike’s humor, wisdom, and kindness. Karen and ‘girls’, the obituary is beautifully written. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and reach out when you need anything.
Jaye Rieser
Salt Lake City, Ut
I really enjoyed coming to the memorial of my colleague and friend Dr. Mike Edson I so much enjoyed working with him as a CT technologist at Pioneer Valley Hospital. It was nice when I came to the memorial that his wife and daughter recognize me as they saw me at Pioneer when they came to visit. I wore my radiology jacket in honor of him as he was radiology I was radiology. We work closely together and interventional procedures in CT. I also was the interim director in medical imaging at Pioneer under his leadership. I loved to share with him military stories as both of us were military people. I enjoy scanning the dogs and helping them to find out what was wrong with them. I love that we always did it under the table. It was awesome. I did not know he was a fisherman as I am an avid fisherman. And the next Life will have to go fishing in Mike Godspeed friend.
Gregg Johnson
Woods Cross, Utah
Karen! What a beautiful accomplish family you have. Mike’s celebration of life was outstanding and memorable. The family and friends tribute and farewell by the Indian chief to Mike was done with deep respect and love. We learned of his generous support of the arts, many successful medical achievements , and his deep love for family. Sharing high school memories of Mike: He had a passion for the game of basketball. Mike was a gifted, competitive guard on Ogden High’s basketball team. In 1959, he was disappointed because the Tigers lost the State Championship to Bear River Hoghh. Mike was also a dedicated scholar. At an.early age, he loved the outdoor involving hunting a plant birds, pheasants, ducks, geese and fly fishing. So sorry for the loss of your dear Mike. When you lose a loved one, you lose a part of yourself … you miss them and you miss who you were with them. In deeper sympathy: Merrill Wall!( a school friend)
Merrill Smith Wall
Salt Lake, UT