R.I.P.

 

“Bishop” Michael Roberto Mildenhall - loving husband, father, and brother in faith will pass on this Sunday, March 27, after succumbing to fulfillment of his calling.  Bishop was born April 3, 1976, although some say he was re-born with the formation of the 6^th ward, circa spring 2006.   He attended Granger High School, if that gives any clue as to what type of person he was.  His love for all was never more evident when he cheered his “professed” favorite college team, byu (yes it doesn’t even deserve to be capitalized).  A non-conformist from an early age, Bishop was secretly a Utah State Aggie fan and would do anything to mask his fondness for his beloved Aggies – just to maintain his image as Bishop.  Whether it be violently shoving one of his closest friends (who is an avid Aggie fan, mind you) prior to a basketball game so hard that it knocked him over and split open his chin, or his mockery of Wild Bill, many people outside his inner circle would think he was repulsed by the Aggies.  However, upon closer inspection, why would a cougar fan have the ward’s first young men’s presidency entirely composed of Aggies?  Plus, the president of this presidency, who also happens to be his basketball victim, would later become his counselor in the bishopric.  In a desperate attempt to prevent any misconception, he stooped to an all-time-low by calling a Wyoming Cowboy as his other counselor.  In all actuality, though, all one needed to do was peek inside his office and see the walls plastered with photos of Wild Bill to know of his love for quality sports.

Bishop was always the hippest, the coolest, and the one who didn't fit any regular pigeon-hole.  He was a hard man to figure out.  He’d nearly faint at the mere mention of blood, yet there was no hesitation in him when it came to gutting fish at scout camp for the young men he so dutifully served.  He claimed to be able to catch fish at Scout Lake with the best of ‘em, and after a few hours of fishing he once came back with 5 or 6 fish.  Even though no one was there to witness it, he said he caught them himself; however, reports at the end of camp stated that a tall man with impeccably parted hair and a byu shirt was stealing fish from other scout troops… He was able to find a comfort zone in most any group or environment, except for grassy meadows on a pioneer trek.  Knowing full well of his allergies, his attempt at completing the pioneer trek showed truly how great of a man was in our midst.  After one night of misery, he was spotted the second morning rubbing grass in his eyes and mouth to enhance his symptoms and was able to leave early – this is just one sample of how desperate he could become.  

He was a simple man, with simple pleasures.  On clear days in winter he would search the skies looking for dragons.  In contrast, on a hot day in the summer, he would be content chasing down cars and throwing water bottles at them.  He was an accomplished make-up artist and poet.  He was good at it, but that didn't mean he wanted to do much of it. He had other affairs to tend to, such as writing songs and music.  Bishop's passing to a rising full moon has left many relatives and friends at a loss.   However, if people want to find him, it is said that on the night of a full moon he can be found riding a famous bull in Logan, UT.  He is survived by his two sons and two daughters, Jimmer, Jimmero, Jimmerrette, and Jimmetta; wife, Joni; numerous relatives; and countless, thankful ward members who will always remember and appreciate the love and devotion he spent towards them. Thank you all for being a part of Bishop's life. He loved all of you so much. There will be a celebration in his basement Saturday March 26, at the time of the Butler / byu basketball game.  Hope you can all make it!