Mike Raphael

Mike Raphael, a long-time resident of Reedley, California, passed away on June 14, 2018, in Kaysville, Utah, of causes incident to old age. He was 94.

Mike was born and raised in Reedley, graduated from Reedley High, and served in the Navy during WWII. After the war he married Evelyn (Saba), had a son (Randy), was active in civic affairs, and built up the Bear Club from a bar with sandwiches to a fine restaurant that drew people from all over the valley. However, when asked what he did for a living, he simply responded that he was a bartender. After retirement he led a nomadic life in his RV, visiting almost every state, and stopping only during summers to be a campground host at Shaver Lake. Toward the end, he often expressed contentment with his life; he was ready to go.

Mike's chief legacy is in his generosity of spirit among family, friends and neighbors. He was legendarily gregarious with strangers. Above all, he was a wonderful father and grandfather.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. He is survived by his best friend (Deanna), three brothers (David, Joe, Manuel), son, daughter-in-law (Holly), and two grandchildren (Chloe, James).

Many thanks are due to the staff of Sierra View in Reedley, and Apple Tree, Brighton Hospice, and the VA Medical Center in Utah for their excellent care of Mike over the last four years.

Mike's ashes will be interred in the Kaysville City Cemetery beside those of Evelyn.

No services are planned; if you would like to honor him, we suggest a donation in Mike's name to a cause that seeks to preserve the natural beauty of America that he loved so much.
Funeral HomeMyers Mortuary of Layton
250 N. Fairfield Rd.
Layton, UT 84041