Mike Rukavina, age 86, passed away Friday, April 15, 2016 at Parkdale Care Center in Price from congestive heart failure and a broken hip he sustained on February 12, 2016.

He was born in Helper, Utah on March 28, 1930 to Nick and Mary Yengich Rukavina.

Mike attended elementary school in Spring Glen, Utah and graduated from Carbon High School in 1948 where he was a guard on the football team.  He was considered a pretty fast runner, as well.  After high school, Mike worked for the D. & R. G. W. Railroad in Helper, Utah as a Carman, retiring with 30 years of service.  Mike was an avid reader and a very good athlete who loved bowling, watching and participating in sports.

Mike was well liked and respected by all who met him.  He was a hard worker, with an incredible work ethic.  Mike made friends easily and was a very caring, considerate and pleasant person.  He was always willing to help when a neighbor or someone needed assistance, showing up suddenly when they least expected it.  He was a wonderful caregiver to his mother and his brother Nick prior to their passing.  Mike never married, but he had many loving nieces and nephews whom he treated as if they were his own.  He was the “Uncle Mike” they went to when they needed something.  Mike will be remembered for his kindness and goodness to his family and friends.  Those who knew Mike will miss his friendship, his caring and selflessness.

Survived by his sisters, Josie Blanc, Spring Glen, Kathryn (Kay) Rukavina, Spring Glen; many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Clear; brothers, Joe and Nick Rukavina.

Funeral service, Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home.  Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to service.  Interment, Price City Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Mike online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.