Michael (Mike) Wayne Midkiff
Passed: May 25, 2021
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Michael (Mike) Wayne Midkiff
Passed: May 25, 2021
Obituary
On May 25, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, Michael (Mike) Wayne Midkiff passed away just shy of his 80th birthday. Mike was born in Camden, Arkansas, the youngest son of Irene and Samuel Midkiff. At the age of 9 he moved to the Sunnyslope area of Phoenix, AZ. In 1959 he graduated from Sunnyslope High School, and in 1988 he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Phoenix. Shortly after high school, Mike joined the US Coast Guard and continued as a reservist until his Honorable Discharge in 1967. In 1963 Mike joined the Phoenix Police Department where he proudly served for 32 years, retiring as a lieutenant in 1995.
Mike had a wonderful sense of humor, an easygoing manner, and loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and his idea of a perfect day was when he was on a lake in his boat trying to outsmart fish with a variety of lures and live bait. His used his Coast Guard training to teach his family the proper way to tie a variety of knots, a skill that came handy on several camping and houseboat trips. For over 40 years Mike bowled in a variety of leagues, and in later years he took up golf where he relentlessly pursued the elusive perfect swing. Mike was a patient fan of all Arizona sports teams and a longtime season ticket holder to the Arizona Cardinals games where he wore his custom “Pa Middy” jersey. Mike enjoyed traveling across the United States as well making trips to Mexico, Canada, and Europe where he stood out in crowds wearing his signature fedora hat.
Mike is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pat. He was a loving and proud father to Dawn, Darin (Libby), and David (Lesley), grandfather to Taylor and Caden Midkiff, Chase Rodriquez, Austin and Logan Sluder, and uncle to his brother Tom’s children Cathy, Kristy, and Kevin and to his brother Kenneth’s son, Kenneth, Jr. Both of his brothers preceded him in death. Mike’s family wishes to thank the staff of Comprehensive Hospice and Palliative Care for the care and support they gave to Mike and his family in his final days.
Mike will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later time.
10 responses to Michael (Mike) Wayne Midkiff
Ben Click says:
June 4, 2021
Mike, Thank you for your service to our country and the City of Phoenix. Both the City and our country are better places because of you served with honor. May God bless your soul and bring peace and comfort to your family and friends.
Jim Humphrey says:
June 4, 2021
It was a pleasure to work with Mike on the Phoenix Police Department. He was a great officer and friend. My condolences to his family. Jim Humphrey
Ron and Roberta Wise says:
June 5, 2021
To the family of Mike Midkiff: So very sorry for your loss. I knew Mike from 5th grade at Sunnyslope Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona. Went to Sunnyslope High School with Mike, as well. Also, had the pleasure of seeing him at high school reunions. He’s in a better place now, no more suffering. May God comfort all of his family members and give you an abundance of peace.
Sister Rachel Torrez says:
June 6, 2021
Pat I read the obituary in the paper today. I recall while we still worked at the board he was diagnosed with the cancer. May you have some peace in the loss. I know what it is like to lose a loved one. Hope that you are well. I am good and trying to get back to “normal” these days which is nice. Prayers for you and all the family.
James R Milstead says:
June 6, 2021
Pat, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mike always had a smile on his face and a kind word. We worked around each other as Phoenix Police Lieutenants. Jim Milstead