Michael “Mike” John Marrie, 75, of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on March 3rd, 2023, embraced and encircled by his wife Holly, and his immediate family. He was born October 7, 1947, to Michael and Bernice Marrie.
Mike, our Poppi, leaves behind his wife Holly Pickrell; daughters Kristen (Eric) Kalkbrenner, Bethany (Andy) Wood, Katie (Dave Work) Marrie, Elizabeth (Jeff) Krans, and Christine (Stephen) Martinez; seven grandchildren: Annabella, Kasey, Charlotte, Connor, Grayson, Weldon, and Pine; brother Art Marrie, sister Linda Melek, and many nieces and nephews. Mike was predeceased by his sister Kathy Carlson, sister-in-law Sue Marrie, and brother-in-laws, Ken Melek and Dick Carlson.
Mike moved to Phoenix 38 years ago while working for Coopers & Lybrand. Subsequently, he worked at Snell and Wilmer for over two decades and served on many boards. He cherished the lasting, warm relationships that he had with his coworkers who were like family. When Mike was not at work, you could usually find him in a baseball cap, a long-sleeve, logoed shirt, and well-worn leather boat shoes. His casual attire summed up his personality: humble, even-tempered, and plain-spoken.
His favorite adventures and activities included trips with Holly, particularly hiking through Switzerland, reading stories and playing games with grandkids, relaxing on the porch at the Pinetop cabin, finding small house projects to keep busy, coaching and caddying Holly and family on the golf course, creating master checklists to keep everyone organized, sending many articles he found pertinent to family and friends, watching sports, Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, and Nightly News with Lester Holt, and mixing up his ever famous, “Mike Marrie Margaritas”.
Mike never wanted for much. He was quick to let others know how fortunate and blessed he felt about his life. Even while coping with health issues over the last decade, he always found the silver lining and enjoyed each moment with Holly, family, friends, and colleagues.
His family would like to thank the many physicians, nurses, other team members, and volunteers at Mayo Clinic Arizona for their care, support, and kindness over the last decade.
Please join us to celebrate Mike’s life at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10 o’clock in the morning. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) or André House.
Lee & Donna Kohlhase
Holly, we send Prayers & Hugs. Mike was such a kind caring man. We missed you in the neighborhood last summer & hope to see you again. You & your family will be in our Prayers for comfort & Peace during this very difficult time of loss.
Patrick Byrne
Mike was a true professional and gentlemen. I was blessed to work closely with him for 15 years as our firm’s managing partner of the Las Vegas Office, while Mike operated as the COO/CFO for all those years. During the many ups and downs, and there were plenty of downs, Mike was always there with unwavering support, great wisdom, and a sense of humor and humility to always remind you of your true priorities — your health, family, and friends. It was those reminders that separated Mike from most and leave me with a lasting impression. I am grateful for my experience in working with Mike, to have received his lasting mentorship, and to call him a true friend. I will greatly miss him.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Holly and Mike’s family. We all feel a part of your loss. God bless you all. And as the Irish Proverb goes, my God hold you, Mike, in the hallow of his hand.
Charles Brown
Mike was a dear friend and mentor who passed along wise knowledge from his experience in life. Deeply grateful for his service to the FRC community and his affection for Franciscan Spirituality. Was tremendously touched by his humor and kindness. A true gentleman and fine Christian being.
Janelle
Sending lots of love. I hope all the joyous memories help level out the sorrow. I remember being in your home several years back and Mikes kind and welcoming nature. He will certainly be welcomed in heaven.
rich edwards
I have know Mike since 1966 as a brother Sig Ep. Mike has always been special with his kind look and the way he looked at the world.
I enjoyed our ski trips and his dry humor. Mike possessed the many qualities that all of us wished we had.
I will never forget the look on his face the last time I saw him.
it was special just like him!
Ken Perich
Would like to send a “HUG” to my fraternity brother Mike. Mike was a few years senior to me in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Youngstown State University. He was always soft spoken and well grounded. Mike was truly a gentleman and a leader. He will be missed by many. Sending my condolences to his entire family.
Nancy Conner
Dear Holly, With heartfelt sympathy and caring prayers for you and your family. I am so glad that Robert and I got to spend a short time talking and laughing together with you and Mike. Those times are cherished.
Tiffany Skall
I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Seeing him at John Bouma’s Celebration of Life for the last time, I was able to share the impact he had on me in my life’s journey and will remember his teachings and guidance for the rest of my days. Godspeed Mike!
Kimberly Erickson
I just heard of Mike’s passing as a former employee of S&W for 20 years. He was always friendly always had an open door and made it very comfortable to talk to him as a real person. During my my time working at the firm I only missed one of his speeches that he would give every year and he always emphasized on health family time off and friends. He always told us make sure you get your physicals. Make sure you take your time off and rejuvenate yourself. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Gail Yates
Mike was board chairman at Junior Achievement of Central AZ early in my leadership of the organization. He was so helpful to me and our organization during his chairmanship. He asked the right questions, always kindly, to steer us in the right direction. Being an English major, he helped further my knowledge of financial statements. I remember his steady influence and reassurance. When he moved to Snell and Wilmer, he stressed how C & L would remain involved. He was a quiet leader in our community, one of the good guys. He made a difference.
Howard Mudrick
I just heard this afternoon of Mike’s passing. I know he has been dealing with health issues for quite some time, but you would never know it given Mike’s upbeat demeanor and kindness. I knew Mike professionally during his years at S&W. Mike and Holly were incredibly welcoming during my short time in Phoenix but remained friends even after my return to Dallas. Mike graciously gave a lot of his time to many of us at law firm executive meetings and the professional calls when we needed his wise counsel. To Holly and the girls, thank you for sharing Mike with us. His friendship and forever smile will be missed, but never forgotten.