Michael R. DeGroote

Michael Ray DeGroote, 22, son of David and Mari DeGroote, died tragically while vacationing in Alaska on June 30, 2015.

He was born on March 16, 1993. Growing up in Fountain Hills, Mike was involved in Little League baseball, Pop Warner youth football, Boys & Girls Club basketball, Boy Scouts and the youth group at Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills.

He graduated from Fountain Hills High School where Mike was an all-state athlete in both baseball and football.

Mike had the privilege of playing football for two years at Scottsdale Community College then walked on at Northern Arizona University where he earned full scholarship because of his hard work and commitment.

He was entering his senior year at NAU to complete his finance degree. Flying was a true passion for Mike, and he was one flight away from receiving his private pilot’s license. His life-long goal was to become a commercial airline pilot.

During the football off-season, Mike worked at Walgreen’s as a pharmacy technician and also at Northland Beverage Company in Flagstaff. He was also the owner of Snap Fitness in Fountain Hills.

Aside from athletics, Mike loved to play guitar, scuba dive, hike, camp, fish, snowboard and hang out with his many, many friends.

But most of all, he was a great role model and friend to his younger brothers, Jacob, 18, and Joey, 17.

Mike was loved and respected by so many people as evidenced by the immense outpouring of support. Mike most certainly had a positive impact on all those he came in contact with and lived his life to the fullest.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills, 15555 E. Bainbridge Avenue, on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m.

A scholarship fund has been set up in Mike’s honor with proceeds going to FHHS athletes in the future. Donations can be made to: www.gofundme.com/mikedegroote.

To quote a dear friend, “Michael DeGroote loved life and everyone he met loved him.”