Michael “Sunshine” William Passey
TEMPE – Michael “Sunshine” William Passey, 40, of Tempe, AZ, was born on June 24, 1983, to his loving parents Bill and Linda B. Passey. His beautiful spirit passed from this earth on September 20, 2023.
Michael, appropriately known to his friends and family as Sunshine, was a vibrant and charismatic individual. His warm, kind personality and zest for life were infectious, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. He had a passion for swimming, kite surfing, cycling, snow skiing, music, Latin dancing, cooking, and art. Michael’s creative spirit shone through his various endeavors, and he found joy in expressing himself through these hobbies.
Michael attended Red Mountain High School, graduating with the Class of 2002. He was a fouryear letterman in swimming, and captained his team his junior and senior seasons. He furthered his education at Stanford University, graduating with degrees in both International Relations and Affairs and Film and Digital Media in 2007. Michael’s thirst for knowledge and intellectual curiosity, along with his commitment to excellence in all areas of his life, were evident throughout his academic journey.
Michael will be deeply and forever missed by his adoring family and friends. He is survived by his father, Bill Passey (Maria Silva); his mother, Kristen Magnuson; his brother, Christopher Passey; his sisters Lori Bohn and Jaci May; his grandmother, JoAnn Lassen; his aunts Jackie Hall, Joan Gosney, and Patty Magnuson; his uncles Jim Passey, David Passey, and Larry Passey. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda B. Passey.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on October 28 at Mesa Country Club. Please join us in commemorating his life and sharing cherished memories. All who wish to attend are invited.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a fund in Michael’s name established at Arizona Community Foundation to support Addiction Research and Recovery: https:// www.azfoundation.org/ways-to-give/other-waysto-give/memorial-funds/michael-passey-mem orial-fund/.