Mickael “Mike” Fitzpatrick McCuin was born Aug. 1, 1964, in Ely, Nevada to James and Sherrell McCuin. The son of a rancher, he grew up in the vast Great Basin Desert. Mike spent his childhood years riding dirt bikes, hunting and fishing, serving as an altar boy in his family’s parish, playing with his siblings, and batting for the Ruth Braves which inspired a love for baseball throughout his life.
Mike was a teenager when he tried his hand at spinning pizza dough, a vocation affording him his first managerial experience. Mike later married, moved, became a father, and flourished in his career. His life largely revolved around his two daughters, for whom he lovingly devoted enormous stores of time and energy. He was a band/color guard dad, grilling four football seasons’ worth of hamburgers supporting the boosters. Mike proudly taxied his virtuoso girls to numerous musical performances. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a valuable member of his community, content to serve behind the scenes and utilize his skills to build sets, repair cars, and coach baseball.
After his girls were grown, Mike returned to his beloved Southwest, where he reconnected with his roots in the desert and sang Johnny Cash songs at karaoke. It was here he met his wife Tierney. They made their home in Page, Arizona, where they embraced life together as an inseparable team, amassing a community of dear friends, hiking countless miles through ravines and highlands, and welcoming seven beautiful grandchildren.
During his years in Arizona, Mike continued his long-standing career in management. He served tirelessly as the Parts Manager alongside his revered colleagues at Legacy/Coolsys, Inc. coordinating inventory throughout the US. Mike was a deeply respected manager, always working to mentor and advocate for his employees with grounded, thoughtful leadership.
After his cancer diagnosis in August, Mike passed away in the peace of Christ at home in September, with his loving wife by his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, half-brother, and father-in-law. He is survived by his cherished wife, Tierney; beloved daughters, Hayley (Kenton) and Bree (Charles) and their mother; admired stepson Thomas (Suzanne); treasured grandchildren Nora, William, Oliver, David, Henry, Natalie, and James; siblings Mary (Guy), Michel (Al), Jimmy (Kim), and Tommy; sister-in-law Monica (Aaron); mother-in-law Sue; and many nieces and nephews.
As a poet, leather and metal worker, avid reader, long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus, plumber, electrician, and all-around handyman, Mike was well known for his many talents and passions. In his sixty years, he earned his reputation as an unswerving and reliable friend, abundant source of knowledge, and endlessly loved husband, Dad, and Pops.
The Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 455 S. Lake Powell Blvd., Page, Az.
Memorial donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Children’s Defense Fund, www.childrensdefense.org.
