Our loving dad, grandfather, brother and friend Michael Marinac, 71, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends Sept. 1, 2010. Mike was born in Mackay on May 3, 1939, to Mike and Anna (Rukavina) Marinac.
Mike spent all of his youth in Mackay. There he participated in football and basketball. He spent much time working for his brother-in-law, Nolan Sayer, and with one of his best friends, Doug Rosenkrance.On June 14, 1958, Mike married the love of his life, Sandra (Chorak) Marinac. Mike and Sandra enjoyed 51 years together. From this marriage, they were blessed with two children, Steve and Andrea Marinac.
After high school, Mike and Sandra went to Renton, Wash. Here Mike worked in the oil fields for six months, with lifetime friend, Wally Whitney. He also helped build the Green River Dam.
Mike then returned to Mackay and went to work at the INEL Chemical Plant. He worked for private contractor H.K. Ferguson. He was also part of the clean-up crew for the SL ONE tragedy.
In 1964, Mike and Sandra moved to Pocatello. Mike attended Idaho State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education.
After graduating in 1968, Mike, Sandra and Steve moved back to Mackay. Mike began his teaching and coaching career at Mackay High School. Mike taught social studies, history, government, physical education and health. Throughout his years of teaching, Mike coached football and basketball, winning state championships in both sports. Mike loved all of his students and touched the lives of many. He retired from teaching in 1997.
Before his retirement in 1984, Mike had a dream of turning the family farm into a golf course. In 1986, the project was started with much skepticism and laughs of onlookers. With much help from his friends in the community, River Park Golf Course was built. Mike spent countless hours grooming and maintaining the golf course. It is now the backbone of the community.
Mike's family and friends were his pride and joy. The past year-and-a-half of Mike's life, he had a wonderful time with his best friend, Isabel Eaton. He loved having holiday gatherings, pig roasts and entertaining. Mike wanted to thank all of his very special friends for always being there.
Surviving are his son, Steve (Helen) Marinac of Mackay; his daughter, Andrea Marinac of Las Vegas, Nev.; his brother, Jack (Mag) Marinac of Price, Utah; his sister, Frances Sayer of Mackay; and one grandson, Kobe Marinac of Mackay. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Marinac; his father and mother, Mike and Anna Marinac; his sister, Mandee Ann; and his brother, Martin Marinac.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at Mt. McCaleb Cemetery, under the direction of the Anderson Family Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at Mackay Elementary School.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mackay School District or the Mackay EMT's.
Published in Post Register on September 7, 2010
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