Oct. 30, 1950 ~ Aug. 7, 2016
"OK, here's the plan. We've got to do this. On Aug. 7th, we have to run the Crystal Springs Trail Half Marathon. It is the perfect race! What could possibly go wrong?" Just past mile 10, in mid stride, John collapsed and died instantly with dirt on his legs, sweat on his brow, and wearing his favorite HOKA's and Dirty Girl Gaiters. As an avid and lifelong competitor, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way
May West said "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough". John did it right. He loved his wife Marilyn Dillon, daughter Emily (Cory), son Michael (Dawn), grandsons Miles, Dillon & Evans; his running dogs Max (deceased), Penny & Andy; horses (Image) and horse shows; siblings Bonnie, Jim, Joe, Barbara, Jerry & Jeff and numerous nieces and nephews; RISK World Cup; hundreds of friends; Polar Bear Club; dinner parties; travel; driving too fast; pool parties; Tuesday Morning Speed Workouts and the Larchmont Track Club; going to the desert; East High (class of 1969); the U of U (BS '74, MBA '77, JD '83); teaching and practicing law; gardening; winning races; and beating cancer.
Many thanks to his fellow runners who assisted during this crisis, Coastal Trail Runs and Race Director, Wendell Doman, the EMT's, and Woodside Fire Dept.
A Memorial Run will be held at the East High Track on Aug. 21st at 8 a.m. Details at chemdog.com/Larchmont. A Celebration of a Life will take place Aug. 22nd from 5:30-9:30 p.m. (program begins at 6 p.m.) at The Garden Place at Heritage Park located at 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave. In lieu flowers donations will be accepted to the John Straley Run for Justice Memorial Fund at the SJ Quinney College of Law, 383 South University Street, SLC, UT 84112 (Attn: Kevin Carillo); toandjusticeforall.org; or to Seashepherd.org.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 13 to Aug. 21, 2016- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=michael-john-straley&pid=181059062&#sthash.zVw7Qwhn.dpuf
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Bobette Badertscher (Heern)
So sorry to hear about this. I remember John with a viola on his left shoulder in 4th grade. Awarded this expensive instument because of his responsible and thoughtful nature, I am sure. He has a slight turn of his head when he was listening or thinking about something that puzzled him. I often thought what a wonderful classmate he was... accepting and kind.
I imagine he will be thrilled to experience first hand the wonders of the next world. His inquisitive nature will be fully engaged.
Dave Seiler
John was one of my first friends ever...we went to school from kindergarten on and attended church as well.
We would meet on the 4th of July with our families at the old ward breakfast and watch he and his family always compete to see who could win the 5k every year. I wish his familly the best as they move forward.
He will be missed, but never forgotten. Farewell for now old friend. David Seiler
Verdo Thomas
I saw John's obit in last Sunday's paper. It's tragic he passed on so soon. That guy could RUN! I tried to keep up with him once while trying out for cross country. His performance made me reconsider. I sat in several classes with him at East. What a good person. I'm certain he will be missed not only by his family but friends as well. I probably hadn't seen him since I attended the U. He apparently led a fulfilled life and I suppose that's all one can hope to accomplish. I also knew his brother, Jim and another brother, Jeff, worked with me at The Salt Lake Tribune. My heartfelt condolences to his family.