SUMNER, Oren Michael (Mike)

The Arizona Republic 3/23/2010 Sumner, Oren Michael passed away on March 11, 2010. Oren Michael "Mike" Sumner fought a brave fight with cancer before passing away March 11, 2010. He was born September 27, 1942 in Gallup NM and named for his Uncle who was lost on the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor. His family moved to Phoenix in 1950. Mike attended Phoenix Union High School where he met the love of his life, Diana (Scrignar), his wife of 46 years. While serving in the U.S. Navy he specialized in aircraft hydraulics including those of the McDonald Douglas F4-Phantom. Upon returning to Phoenix he started a 35 year career with Mountain Bell Telephone Co. Mike was an avid outdoorsman and was happiest hunting, fishing, camping with family and friends or walking the beach. He never failed to appreciate one of God's beautiful sunsets even more so in the company of loved ones. He coached several competitive adult volleyball teams but found his youth teams at St. Joseph's Parish especially rewarding and was amused when he and Diana were referred to as "Coach and Mrs. Coach". He loved his two grandchildren and often sang spontaneously composed lullabies to them. His outgoing personality and talent for telling jokes and stories (minor embellishments aside) will be warmly remembered. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He's survived by wife Diana, son Michael (Jenifer), brother Jon (Shari) sister Judy (Ron), brother-in-law Al (Judi), sister-in-law Mary, grandson Wade, granddaughter Kate, nieces Traci, Brenda and Sarah, nephews Jon and Aaron and many extended loving family members. A memorial celebration will be held at Blessed Sacrament Chapel, 11300 North 64th St., Scottsdale on March 25th, at 11:00am. Internment services at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix March 26th, at 11:00am. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.