Michael Jay Fries, 66, was born on October 7, 1950 in Ogden, Utah. He was the second son of Don Ray and Merla Kidd Fries. Michael passed away on December 14, 2016 at his home where he wanted to be.

Michael grew up in various areas around Burley, Idaho and Logan, Utah as his family moved around for his father's job. Eventually they ended up in the Pocatello area where he attended school and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1969. Michael enlisted in the Army after graduation and served from 1969-1972, serving in Vietnam from 1970-1972.

In March of 1973, Michael met his future wife, Darla Evans, They were married on July 19, 1974 at the police cabin in Pocatello. They later had three children and raised them in Tyhee. He worked for Coca Cola for 38 years, retiring due to multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. This was very hard for him to retire.

Michael absolutely loved the outdoors. He passed this love on to his children. Hunting, fishing, and camping were his favorite activities. He also loved to tinker around the house and could literally fix anything. His greatest joy was his grandkids.

In 2011, Mike was diagnosed with two forms of cancer. He had a stem cell transplant and fought a courageous battle. He loved his family and fought so hard up until the very end.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a bother, Calvin, his son Nathan, and grandson, Tydon Grant Fries.