Michael Dale Geyer

Michael's Life Highlights

Written from the perspective of his son, Mark Geyer

I will do my best to further summarize my dad's life events. The events might not be exactly how Mike would have described them or exactly when they occurred, but it's how I understand them. This is a living site, so as I come across more accurate information, I will add or correct info as needed. That said, if any of the following is inaccurate, please reach out to me on Facebook Messenger.

Let's dive in!

Early Years

Birth - 18 years old

Mike's childhood was filled with cherished photographs and athletic achievements in cross-country and track.

In June 1944, Mike was born and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma. His parents loved taking pictures of him as he grew up. I found so many pictures of Mike when he was a kid.

In 1955–56, Mike attended Longfellow Elementary School.

In 1957, the Geyer's packed up and moved from Norman, Oklahoma to Mesa, Arizona via Greyhound bus. Dale, Mike's dad, got new job opportunity in Scottsdale, Arizona doing construction and the hotter, lower humidity weather, was also better for Mary's health, Mike's mom.

In 1958, while attending Mesa High School, Mike ran cross country and track as a miler.

Aside from running, Mike was in The Lettermen's Club and the M Club.

In 1962, Mike graduated from Mesa High School.

Life and Career

19 - 64 years old

Mike was a dedicated Sheet Metal Worker and devoted father, embracing the joys of parenthood and providing unwavering support to his sons, Matthew and Mark. His lifelong commitment, resilience, and unwavering love will forever be cherished.

In 1967–68, Mike studied at the Associate School for Industry for various Layout Courses: Blueprint Reading, Structural Steel Layout, and Precision Sheet Metal Layout. This would start the foundation of his sheet metal career.

In the early 70's, Mike built a Ford Model T equipped with a motorcycle engine. He did this to save on weight as he would drag race it down the Beeline Dragway, a drag racing facility in Mesa, Arizona. His sister Sue would often go with him on weekends.

In 1972, Mike started school at Maricopa Tech.

In 1972, Mike joined the Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359. He would go on paying his union dues for the next 50 years.

He met Margaret Hirak at a dance in Mesa, Arizona (date unknown). They started dating soon after.

In July 1976, Mike completed his Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning apprenticeship.

Mike and Margaret were married in September 1976.

In 1976, Mike and Margaret moved to Alaska. The work boom of TAPS (Trans Alaska Pipeline System) was happening in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Mike and Margaret both loved nature. I have a lot of pictures of them on road trips together. Several pictures of them in nature with amazing views of Alaska mountains.

Mid 1978, at the age of 34, Mike found out that he was going to be a father.

In February 1979, Matthew was born in Whitehorse, Canada.

Matthew was born with Trisomy 21 (aka down syndrome). This was a new concept for Margaret and Mike, as well as the hospital where Matthew was born. After a brief time in NICU, Mike and Matthew flew to a hospital that could assist further in Seattle, Washington, USA via helicopter. Mike never left Matthew's side.

Late 1980, at the age of 36, Mike found out that another kid was on the way.

In June 1981, I (Mark) was born in Juneau, Alaska.

In May 1983, Mike became a 32nd-degree Freemason of Scottish Rite.

Mid 80's, Mike, along with a lot of help, built a 2-story cabin in Skagway, Alaska for his family that still stands today. While in construction, Mike fell through a 2nd story floor that wasn't supported and landed on his hip. With a new titanium ball/socket hip joint and a lot of healing time, he was all fixed up. From that point on Mike would walk with a limp.

Mid-80's, Mike worked on the railroad in Anchorage, Alaska and would visit us back in Skagway, Alaska when he could.

Mike and Margaret divorced in March 1988. He would never return to Alaska or remarry. To my knowledge, he never dated anyone either. I think he was afraid of falling in love again or the thought of someone else 'getting in the way' of him and his boys.

According to my mom (Margaret), Mike never missed a child support payment, ever.

My dad would kill me if I didn't include pictures of his vehicles, his Model T and his 1954 Austin Panel Delivery in it's prime.

On 2-3 occasions (not sure of the years), Mike would take on work at Palo Verde Generating Station (Arizona's only nuclear power plant). It paid triple-time but I'm not sure if it was worth it in the long run, being exposed to various amounts of nuclear levels.

In September 2000, at the age of 56, Mike created a Living Will, Durable PoA, Healthcare PoA, the whole shebang. Something we should all do while we're still sound mind. Creating these made things easier in the later parts of his life.

Later Years

65 - 78 years old

Mike cherished precious moments with Matthew, from movie outings to camping trips, while also taking pride vintage vehicles and camping gear. As dementia took hold, he faced challenges but found solace in assisted living care until his peaceful passing.

In 2010, at the age of 66, Mike joined Facebook. This was also around the time when he would call me constantly with his computer and IT questions, ha.

Mike spent a lot of time with Matthew. He would see him every weekend to go to the movies, eat lunch, and hangout. They would often camp in Northern Arizona. Or Mike would camp with friends.

In 2015, he took a great interest in tiny houses. He did a ton of research but never ended up buying one. He would be very excited to discuss all the details and plans he had.

In 2019, Mike signed papers and made payment for services to be cremated and for his remains to be given to me (Mark). Beyond this, he had no other requests.

In mid 2021, on his last visit to our home, he couldn't recall any of our kid's names.

The beginning of the end...

In late 2021, there were several troublesome instances that happened to Mike. He drove West on Grand Avenue into the desert until he ran out of gas. Thankfully, highway patrol found him but with no wallet and no cell phone. When they asked where he was headed, he had no idea. They later brought him home safely. Shorty thereafter, his apartment flooded from a water pipe leak. All of his items, including his apartment, were ruined. He didn't have a place to stay. He wasn't paying his bills accurately either. It all became too much for him.

It was apparent that Mike had mild-to-moderate dementia. Not forgetting long-term relationships but easily forgetting new concepts and conversations that would happen 5-10 minutes prior. After scrambling and getting a hold of his finances, selling tools and various items from his storage (with help from his friends), I was able place him in assisted living care, which he tried escaping a few times. #relentless

Over the last 1.5 years, I managed his finances, making payments to his assisted living care and paying down debt. Being in hospice care for the past year, I could see his health slowly declining. When he passed, it was time, he was ready to go.

Goodbye for now, dad

Mike had a way about him that for most, came off as stubborn and grumpy, but Matthew, myself, and those who knew him well, saw right through that. Underneath all that armor was a kind, funny, incredibly smart, and personable man that you just couldn't help but love.

Our dad didn't come from wealth, nor did he accumulate much throughout his life. Money was never a primary driving force for him. His utmost priority was his children, Matthew and me. Everything else held lesser importance. Whenever we needed him, he was always there, unwavering in his support.