Michael Joseph Hampton, 54, passed away peacefully at his parent's home July 14, 2002 after a valiant battle with cancer.
He was born July 2, 1948 in Salt Lake City, UT to Joseph and Ethel L. Pease Hampton. A graduate of South High School, class of 1965, he was married to Diana Healy and later divorced. Mike was interested in building boats, boat racing, auto racing, motorcycling, traveling, and living life to the fullest. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, an air traffic controller and while in the service he earned the Bronze Star, and other metals. After the war, Mike worked on construction, and helped his father in the oil trucking business. His main vocation was as a fireman for the Salt Lake City Fire Department, where he attained the rank of Captain. During his employment for the Fire Department, he graduated from Weber State University, as a paramedic, which training he used in his work. He loved to travel on his Harley, and see the country. Mike had a heart of gold, was very soft-hearted in spite of his tough exterior. He enjoyed helping young people and exhibited this by befriending little people and taking them to Lagoon and other places of amusement.
Mike had many friends that kept track of him and were of great assistance to him in his battle with cancer. We would like to thank them publicly for their many gestures of kindness they showed in his extended illness.
Mike was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Ethel L. Rudd; stepfather, Evan N Rudd; one sister, Kollynn (David) Pantuso; their three children, Angela (Rustyn) Smith and their two children, Mckay, Joshua Michael, Justin Pantuso, and Melissa Pantuso. Little McKay was the delight of Mike's life. Mike also has one aunt living that he was close to, Alicia (Roy) Brunicardi.
The parents of Mike would like to express their appreciation for the kindness, extended by the doctors, nurses and many friends during his last days. We would also like to thank The University Cancer Center Personnel and Hospice for their help. His nurse, Wendy James, and especially Wanda Hackwell, who came three times a week and cheerfully took care of Mike.
Services will be Wed. 11 a.m., Homestead Ward Chapel, 5735 S. Fashion Blvd. (300 E). Friends may call Tues. 6-8 p.m., Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State, and Wed. 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment, Murray City Cemetery.