Michael ("Mike") Whitlock, Mesa, Arizona, passed away on July 22, 2013, at the age of 82. He is survived by the true love of his life, Marian (Costello) Whitlock, and four children and their families: Mike, Jr. and his wife, Tanni, their daughters, Molly and Kate, of Redmond, Washington; Tim Whitlock and his wife, Freddi Hausser Whitlock, of Arlington, Virginia; Pat Whitlock and his wife, Debbie Page Whitlock, of Seattle, Washington, and daughter Katie (Whitlock) Kope and her husband, Ken Kope, and their children, Sarah and Kyle, of Eagle, Idaho. Dad was born in Clarion, Iowa, on May 28, 1931, and spent most of his childhood in Austin, Minnesota. After graduating from Austin High, he moved to Minneapolis to study auto mechanics. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Marian. He served in the United States Air Force in the early 1950's and married Marian in December 1953. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage, raised a family, lived in and around Seattle, Washington, Colorado, New Hampshire, Tempe, and most recently, Mesa, Arizona. He was happiest when he was by Marian's side as he adored her and she completed him. He cherished his children, adored his grandchildren, and was at his best when he was surrounded by his family members. Those times were full of laughter, stories of family moves and adventures, and meals and desserts made by mom that were always "better than any restaurant's." No food was ever "as good as your mother's." His sometimes gruff exterior was a thin shell to a heart full of fun, love, and faith. His Catholic faith served as the center of his life. And, because of this faith, those that love him and miss him trust that he is now enjoying the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, July 29, 2013, at 10:00 am at St. George Roman Catholic Parish, 300 E. 16th Avenue, Apache Junction, 85119. A Catholic rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am prior to Mass. A private interment will follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. All who would like to celebrate Mike's life are invited to join the family at a reception to be held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Las Palmas Grand Clubhouse, 2550 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, 85209. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Hospice of the Valley , 1510 E. Flower Street, Building 1, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014 or on line at www.hov.org. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home (480-832-2850).ARIZONA REPUBLIC 26 JULY 2013