Michael Wayne Turpin

Michael Wayne Turpin, 87, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born on April 24, 1938, in Salt Lake City to Wayne and Ruby Turpin. He grew up in Salt Lake, with a short time spent in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, when he served with the Army National Guard’s 144th Evacuation Hospital Unit, which was called up in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis.

He graduated from East High in 1956 and from the University of Utah in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering — a proud Ute through and through. Over the years, he worked for Hercules, Turpin Supply, and OEC Medical Systems, earning the respect and friendship of everyone who worked alongside him.

In 1958, Mike married Judi Buntjer, and together they had three daughters: Wendi, Michelle, and Stephanie.

In 1975, Mike married Gail Tillman, his best friend, and for over 50 years they built a life full of laughter, loyalty, and love. Mike liked to tease that Gail was his “trophy wife,” though she always claimed she was the one who started saying it. Theirs was a marriage filled with humor, mutual respect, and a deep bond that carried them through everything — including his tough battle with cancer.

Mike loved spending time at the family cabin in Holiday Park, Utah, where his parents bought shares when he was just three years old. The cabin was one of his favorite places in the world — a place for music, laughter, and long summer evenings by the fire. He was known for pulling out his guitar and singing funny or slightly mischievous songs like “Have Some Madeira, My Dear” — and no one who ever heard him sing it will forget it.

He and Gail were lifelong Utah Utes fans. They tailgated for years and hardly missed a home game. One of his happiest memories was being in the crowd at the Sugar Bowl when the Utes beat Alabama — the kind of win he talked about for years afterward.

Mike had a real zest for life. He learned to fly small planes, loved skiing Utah’s slopes, and never passed up a chance to travel. He and Gail had wonderful adventures together, but the island of Kauai held a special place in their hearts — it was their little piece of paradise.

To everyone who knew him, Mike was quick to laugh, quick to help, and always ready with a story or joke. (Some of his jokes required three or four different accents — and he nailed them all.) He was a loving husband, a proud dad and grandpa, and a loyal friend. Above all, he gave his family unconditional love — the kind you never forget.

And then there was Bean, his little Yorkie, who was his shadow to the very end. Bean was fiercely loyal, always making sure that anyone who came to help was kind-hearted and well-intentioned before offering a wag of approval.

Mike is survived by his wife, Gail; his daughters, Wendi (Mike) and Michelle (Marina); his step-son, Andrew Mecham (Heather); three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a niece and two nephews; and his faithful companion, Bean. He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Cole Sylvester, his beloved daughter, Steph Turpin, and his sister, Toni Staker.
The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Nevala-Plegemann and his team at the Huntsman Cancer Center for their compassion and outstanding care. They also want to thank the Huntsman At Home Care team, led by Heather Baucom, for their kindness and support during Mike’s final months.

Mike’s humor, warmth, and love of life made every day brighter for the people around him. He’ll be deeply missed — and lovingly remembered — by all who were lucky enough to know him.
A celebration of life will be held for Mike on Friday, October 17th from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.

In lieu of flowers please consider an act of kindness in Mike’s memory.