Michael McKinlay

MICHAEL TODD MCKINLAY

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…

it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Michael “Mak” Todd McKinlay, 35, passed on April 26, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He was born on January 24, 1985 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to his parents Timothy Albert McKinlay and Judy Kaye Howarth McKinlay.  Todd studied performing arts at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah.  He had the art of healing in his hands and used this gift when he became a massage therapist. Todd volunteered his talent and skills to the Empress theater, choreographing musical numbers for several productions.

Michael Todd always had a smile on his face while greeting everyone he met. He had a passion for life.  When you looked him in the eyes you could see it.  His eyes had a sparkle. He had a gift for dance and his love of life was present in his dancing. Through his grace you could feel that love and passion. Even until the day of his passing, he rarely walked but was constantly clogging.

Michael Todd struggled to overcome a drug addiction; we will never understand the demons that Todd bravely battled every day to the end. Some only saw the addiction and stopped seeing him as a person, which was a loss for them because he regularly brought joy and laughter to his friends through his daily interactions.  Addiction take too many lives and Michael Todd would have urged anyone in the same situation to seek help, get well, and remind others not to judge.

Survived by his parents, siblings:  Ben (Margaret) Mckinlay, Adam Mckinlay, Emily Howarth. Nephews and niece: Nathan Von Gunten, Jaycee Mckinlay, Ryan Mckinlay, Paul Mckinlay.  Many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

We know his loving caring eyes will always be watching over us.  Until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a rehab center or homeless shelter of your choice.

Memorial services remembering Todd’s life will be held on Friday, May 1st, 2020, at 11:00 am.  Respecting Covid-19 policies services will be held on ZOOM.  See information below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8952758175?pwd=T2NJeTVpbXJ5NzZYYWpvYVljd0p3UT09

Meeting ID 8952758175
Password 1234