Michael Alan Whiffen

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Michael Alan Whiffen, 65, of Logan, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on May 28th, 2025, while being cared for by his loving wife.

Michael was born on May 5, 1960, in Oakland, California, to Henry and Diane Whiffen. He spent his early years in the Bay area and then in Los Angeles before moving to Utah as a young adult, where he proceeded to build a life that was rooted in his faith and in the love he had for his family.

As a man who had a deep love for art and beauty, as well as being someone who exemplified hard work and determination, Michael was able to successfully co-found Altus Photo Design: a photography business that allowed him to share his artistic talent with countless clients, friends, and family for decades. His passion and creativity shone through every project and job that he worked on, making his work easily recognizable to all who were familiar with him.

Michael married his eternal companion, Elizabeth (née Shumway), on July 27, 2000. Together, they raised two children and shared all of life’s triumphs, joys, and heartaches together with an enduring love based on true friendship. For 27 years, Michael lovingly cared for their daughter Alexandra, who was multiply disabled from birth. His tenderness, patience, and unwavering devotion to her were a perfect example of the abiding love he had for his family. Alexandra preceded him in death five years ago, and the reunion they now share brings comfort to those who remain.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Michael lived the gospel through every aspect of his life. He had a special love for the scriptures, and he found great joy and comfort in studying them daily. There were very few days in his life when his scriptures weren’t seen open on the kitchen table, heavily marked with thoughts and translations of words in their original Hebrew or Greek, and paired with multiple other study books thoughtfully laid out around them.

Michael had so many gifts and talents that he was able to master over the course of his life. He was in love with music, and more specifically loved playing the drums. He was able to be a musician in professional as well as personal settings countless times throughout the years, and his knowledge of band trivia was unmatched. He was a talented artist in more ways than one, being known for drawing cartoons for family whenever inspiration took hold, which it often did, but also for drawing elaborate sketches that fit in on the walls of the Whiffen home easily next to their collection of fine art prints. He used these skills in his graphic design work, photography, and in creating just for his own joy and the joy of those around him who were gifted his artwork and creations. In the months leading up to his passing, Michael completed his first book, a memoir based on a significant event in the family’s history, and was halfway through writing his second when he passed away.

Everyone who knew him knew that he had a natural ability to teach. It didn’t matter the subject matter, the situation, or even the age of the person he was teaching; he was able to meet people where they were and then guide them through new information with an ease that only can come from a true love of learning on the teacher’s end. He always found his way towards teaching others, no matter what else was going on in his life at the time.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Whiffen; his daughter, Gabrielle Bird; and two grandchildren; Kira and Max Bird. He is also survived by his father, Henry Whiffen, and five siblings: Lorrie, Keri, Tami, Brett, and Sean along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: King Owen Tolles and Vawn Mary Emily Maynard; his mother: Diane Whiffen; and his cherished daughter Alexandra.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at 12 p.m. at 325 N. Lauralin Dr, in Logan, Utah with a viewing beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Logan Cemetery. A viewing will also be held at Allen-Hall Mortuary on Tuesday, June 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Michael’s life was defined by his dedication to family, loved ones, and his faith. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Condolences and memories may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.com

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