Michael Dean Tyree

Michael Dean Tyree, 80, passed away at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on Sept. 29, 2023. Mike was born the youngest of three boys in Worland, Wyoming on June 4, 1943 and spent most of his school years in Powell, Wyoming. He was an all-around athlete and basketball stand-out in high school. Mike joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1964.

On his first meeting with his wife Mary she proposed to him and the two were married six months later, spending two days shy of 57 years together.

Mike contracted a rare form of lung cancer that spread rapidly and took his life over the course of a month on Sept. 29, 2023.

Mike received a Bachelors of Accountancy from the University of Wyoming, and immediately landed a job as the accountant and office manager of an energy company called Resource Exploration & Mining in Hanna, Wyoming. He worked there until 1985 when the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and shortly after, he started his own accounting business.

While in Hanna, Mike served as a city council and Joint Powers Board member where he raised funds from all the surrounding coal mines to build the town’s first recreational complex with Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball and racquetball courts, weight and sauna rooms, called the Hanna Recreation Center.  

Mike loved golf! The main reason he and Mary chose Arizona was to golf year-round. Mike played in many tournaments, even trying to qualify for the Senior Tour. Within the first 18 months of their move to Arizona, he hit three holes-in-one! He accomplished eight holes-in-one over the course of his golfing life. His one request in traveling anywhere was, “Do they have a golf course?” In addition to golf, Mike was an avid athlete who excelled in any sport he played.

Mike enjoyed animals and nature. His favorite place was on the golf course. He believed in God, and said the golf course was his religion (connection to God). Hummingbirds would routinely feed out of his hand near the backyard feeder. Mike was an active supporter of his kid’s interests including sports, hunting, fishing and especially golf! He had a close knit group of friends for over 30 years in his golf league with whom he traveled to Australia just to play golf. He played courses all over the Southwest.

Mike is survived by wife Mary and their three kids; Melissa, Brian and Trevor. Mike is also survived by his grandchildren; Cole (Sarah) Cavolo, Quinn Cavolo (Gina Moya), Keragan Cavolo, Keston Tyree, Caiden Tyree and Sophia Tyree, and 27 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Lydia Tyree, and his two brothers Ron and Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Preschool, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Mass was held Oct. 28, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. Interment was in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Cave Creek, Arizona.