An obituary was posted for Michael Haight, who shot and killed his five children, his mother-in-law, and his wife of 20 years inside the family home in Enoch, Utah; his wife, by the way, filed for divorce two weeks before the mass killing. A handful of people commenting on the obituary have discussed the generosity of Michael Haight in the past. Later on, the obituary became private, but not without gun safety advocate Shannon Watts grabbing screenshots of it. (However, The Spectrum, a daily newspaper serving southwestern Utah, has Haight’s obituary posted on their website, as of this writing.)
Michael Orwin Haight was born on January 7, 1980 in Seattle, Washington to Robin and Brenda Haight. After his dad finished dental school in 1981, the family moved to Cedar City, Utah.
In his youth, Michael loved spending time participating in city league baseball, basketball, soccer, various outdoor and scouting activities. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Michael excelled at everything he did, graduating from Cedar High School in 1998 where he was the Sterling scholar in business. He was very involved in various sports and activities.
Michael spent the summer after graduation working in Alaska in a fish processing plant. His leadership skills, values of honest hard work and determination quickly led him to be a line manager and over a crew of 10-12 men.
Michael was called and served a full-time mission to Porto Alegre South, Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the people he met on his mission and had many fond memories of his time spent there.
After his mission, Michael began classes at Southern Utah University, studying business. He graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from SUU in 2004 where he was named the Outstanding Finance Student for the School of Business. During this time, he met Tausha Earl in their student ward. They were married in the St. George Temple on May 10, 2003. Together they welcomed 5 children into their family: Macie Lynn, Briley Ann, Ammon Michael, Sienna Belle, and Gavin Drew. Each of these children were truly a cherished miracle to them. Michael made it a point to spend quality time with each and every one of his children. Michael enjoyed making memories with the family. He spent many evenings and Saturdays coaching the children’s city league sporting teams, attending the children’s concerts at school, going on side-by-side rides, doing home-improvement projects, sledding and much more.
Michael lived a life of service. Whether it was serving in the church or in the community, he was willing to help with whatever was needed.
Michael owned and operated a successful insurance agency receiving many awards and honors for his achievements. Many of his clients loved and appreciated the care and attention he gave to them. He recently sold his business to allow more flexibility to spend time with his family.
Michael is survived by his mother Brenda Haight, siblings: Bryan, Tamara (Mike) Twitchell, Jennifer (Doug) Kerksiek and Grandparents Orwin and Velda Gubler. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held privately. Family and friends will be notified of the details. The family would like to express a special thank you to those in the community who have reached out with their love and support and all who have helped in any way. You are very much appreciated.
It has been said to never speak ill of the dead. But the obituary got people really going.
The fact that the family of Tausha (née Earl) stood firm with a pro-gun stance after the mass killing has not helped matters, either.
As we try to make sense of this unthinkable tragedy we wish to express our gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love, kindness and support. It is during times like these that our thoughts are drawn towards a loving and all knowing God who created a beautiful plan of salvation that extends far beyond the mortal loss of those most precious to us. The hurt and humility felt through these experiences only serves to draw us closer to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to express our overwhelming gratitude for his infinite, beautiful and powerful atonement. We invite all to seek the peace that can only be found through Him.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation for law enforcement, first responders, medical examiners, ecclesiastical leaders and all who have participated in this process. We hope the honor of your service is reciprocated. Thank you, we love you for the difficult service you render to communities.
We recognize heartbreak extends beyond our family and friends and is shared by neighbors, classmates and community. We express our love and appreciation to the people of Enoch for their warmth and love towards this beautiful family. We know that some may struggle with this insensible loss. It is our hope that any who need support, find the strength to reach out for appropriate help.
We would caution media outlets and the public at large about using our family’s story for any advocacy of political agendas. Protective arms were purposely removed from the home prior to the incident because all adults were properly trained to protect human life. This is the type of loss that will continue to occur in families, communities and this nation when protective arms are no longer accessible. It is our desire that the media turn their attention to the weightier matters surrounding this event. In place of political advocacy, we would encourage reporting about the value of all human life, the great works of God that can render a forgiving heart, how religion can heal and enlarge our capacity for love, and a return to foundational principles of peace within our nation. The reality is this tragedy serves as a call to the memory of God, religion, freedom, peace, and family and the efforts that are required to maintain those freedoms.
Details of funeral plans will be released as they are finalized. We ask for patience, understanding and respect of privacy. A GoFundMe account has been started for those who wish to assist with funeral arrangements and restoration efforts.
Warmly,
Boyd and Gail Earl Family
What else helped matters even less? “White Jesus” on the GoFundMe page.
Some people just cannot look away from such a glowing obituary, given that there are people who believe that abortion and gay rights are more sinful than mass murder. Yes, people like the “Abortion Is Murder” brigade.
And one cannot justify a mass shooting by saying that the perpetrator has bad mental health.
