Michael Kihirini Mahuika, 56, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005 , after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was surrounded by his devoted and loving family, including his mother and siblings from New Zealand.  His passing was a result of complications from ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). 

Michael was born April 24, 1948 in Ngaruawahia , New Zealand to Nepia and Manawanui Mahuika.  He was the eldest of 10 children and Chief of the Ngati Porou Tribe, and also a descendant of the Tainui Tribe.  Being the eldest, Maori culture required that he be raised by his grandparents.  His education included Whakawhitira (elementary school), and Church College of New Zealand (high school).  After completing his secondary education, he attended BYU Hawaii.  There he earned his Bachelors of Science degree and met the love of his life – Nancy Kathleen Grange of Vancouver, WA.  They were married October 16, 1971 .  Nancy was Mike’s most cherished treasure and loving companion of 33 years.

One of Mike’s passions was athletics.  He loved rugby, football, basketball, and a variety of other sports.  Throughout his life, he was an avid rugby player – and an even bigger fan.  On many occasions he would stay up all night to watch rugby games – and then go to work at 5 a.m.   He coached football, track, and soccer.  He never missed a sporting event his children participated in, and even regularly attended many that his children were not involved in.  His three favorite teams were, the New Zealand All-Blacks (rugby), Brigham Young University (all sports), and Evergreen High School (all sports).

Mike was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He served faithfully in a variety of callings and loved to work with the primary children.  He had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived an exemplary life.  Mike had a wonderful personality and was pleasant to be around.  He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends.