Michael Alexander

Michael Nathan Alexander, 33, of Idaho Falls, passed away unexpectedly March 13, 2019. He was born March 15, 1986, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the treasured son of Michael L. and Annette Alexander. As the baby of our family, he had all our hearts, and we lovingly nicknamed him Mikey. He was the light of his family’s life, and his parents, siblings, in-laws, and especially nieces and nephews adored him. His former wife and dear friend, Allyx Baird, gave him the greatest gift of Michael’s life last year, his darling son Bruce Ryder.

Michael attended Sunnyside Elementary, Taylor View Junior High, Skyline High School and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He then continued his education at Brigham Young University Idaho. He was actively involved in his high school business club, DECA, and his leadership skills and charisma secured him the position of the organization’s State President in Idaho, which he loved and was very proud of. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and embodied the true spirit of our Savior as one that encircled everyone within his reach with love. He served in the Primary and Scouts, and was loved by his students. Michael was an example of unconditional love, forgiveness, and gentleness.

A gifted artist and musician, Michael’s talents brightened many lives. His earliest sketches at age four were detailed drawings of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and several of us are lucky enough to have some of his beautiful later sketches as memoirs. He followed in his elder brother Nick’s footsteps and taught himself to play guitar skillfully. His singing voice was like that of an angel, and he would accompany himself with everything from church hymns to rock ballads. Music was an important part of his life and brought him joy and peace.

Lifting weights and working out were his passion and also great therapy for Mike. He was in the best shape of his life these past two years. His niece was very concerned as to whether he will have all his muscles in heaven, and was assured that, as hard as he had worked for those biceps, the Lord would surely see that he could keep them eternally.

Michael’s business and leadership skills led him to be a pioneer in the food truck scene of St. George, Utah, where he owned and managed Waffle Love St. George, with his mother and sister, Noelle, as his business partners. The crew he led were always like family to him. Anyone that came to the truck will remember his smiling face and enthusiasm for great customer service and delicious food. He was passionate about his business and the heart and soul of the early food truck community in Southern Utah.

Michael continued in food service working with the Corndog Company, and the restaurants at Saint George, Bloomington, and SunRiver Golf Clubs, where he made many of his best friends, including his sweetheart, Ashley Benham.

Michael struggled with addiction from an early age, but enjoyed intermittent years of sobriety and peace. These were the best years of the lives of both Mike and those he loved. Recovery teams at Cirque Lodge and Therapia Recovery Center, as well as his Narcotics Anonymous fellowship family, helped and loved Mike through his addiction, where he was a light to others facing the same disease. His life experiences helped him have an immense and profound compassion and understanding beyond his years. Mike always had a smile and encouraging word for everyone, especially for the downtrodden and those enduring similar pain.

In the words of his loving cousin, “He is no different than a soldier lost in a war he did not believe in.” Many are called to fight this gruesome battle, most against their will. No one aspires to addiction. A few initial poor choices, often at a very young age, and your free will all but disappears as your body and mind are then enlisted in a battle that lasts every moment of every day for the rest of your life, with few that survive the fight and way too many dying on the front lines every day.

Those close to Michael knew his heart and soul were the purest and kindest on earth, and we have no doubt that there will be no blessing withheld, no misdeed that is not covered by the grace and mercy of his loving Savior, the only one who has permission or power to judge- a right he earned by living perfectly, then suffering and dying to save us all from our sins, pains, weaknesses, and trials.

Mikey was a loving father, brother, son, and friend. He is survived by his cherished son, Bruce Ryder Alexander of Benecia California; Beloved parents; Michael and Annette Alexander of Provo, UT; siblings: Noelle Wilhelmsen of Saint George, Nicholas Alexander of Springville, Utah, Natalie Stevens of Pasadena, California, and Melissa Terry of Provo, as well as in-laws Corey, Meadow, Ryan, and Adam.

Services will be as follows. He genuinely loved every one of you, so please come celebrate his life with us.

Viewing: 6-8pm Friday, March 22, 2019, at Sundburg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St., Orem, UT.

Funeral: 11am, Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 900 W 590 N, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel, Orem, UT with viewing at same location from 9:45-10:45am

Interment immediately following at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 4800 N. 650 E. Provo, UT. Luncheon at Lovebirds Chicken, 4801 North University Ave. Suite 860, Riverwoods Shops, Provo, UT featuring hot chicken and Waffle Love, provided by his favorite chef, Adam Terry.

St. George Memorial: 2pm Sunday, March 24, 2019 Chef Hog’s Oyster Bar and Grill at Sun River Golf Club, hosted by his close friend and employer, Jeff Germain. 4210 Bluegrass Way, Saint George, UT.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael N. Alexander Memorial Fund, https://www.gofundme.com/manage/michael-n-alexander-memorial-fund, which will go toward a fund for his son, funeral costs, and addiction recovery awareness.

The most priceless gift you can give is your memories of Michael for us to enjoy and pass onto his son. It’s important to us that Bruce Ryder, his toddler, be able to know his dad through your eyes and heart.

Please share memories by clicking on the Tribute Wall. Link to the wall is above.