VAIL, John (Mike)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, July 29, 2010 John "Mike" Vail died July 28, 2010, at his ranch in Chino Valley, Ariz. He was born July 11, 1943, in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of John and Catherine (Cordova) Vail. Mike was 67 years old. Mike thrived and loved the lifestyle he and Gail had on their ranch they built from scratch in Chino Valley during the 19 years they lived there. They shared their home with a wide varitety of critters: horses, goats, chickens and turkeys. Mike and Gail were married on June 24, 1985, and on June 26 this year they renewed their vows on horseback. He was an avid fan of the Professional Bull Riders Association and for the last five years traveled to Las Vegas for the championship finals. Mike was proudest of his relationships, especially with Gail, his family, and his many friends. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Gail; son John Mike Vail III of Palmdale, Calif., and daughter Rami Vail of Los Angeles; stepdaughters Kim (Randy) Scott of Peoria, Debbi (Lynda Arwood) Day of Prescott and stepson Michael (Daniella) Day of Prescott; grandchildren Neto, Angel, Danny, Michael, Briana, Erin and Mariah; great-grandchildren Angelique, Kaden and Selena; and his four-footed family, Ruby, Sugar, Jackie, Bubbles, Saxon, Shrek, Bug and White Feather. A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday July 31, 2010. A Sharing of Memories will start at 3 p.m. at the Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, corner of Cortez and Carleton, Prescott. Memorials in his name can be sent to Hospice of the Pines, 13175 E Hwy 169, Dewey, AZ 86327. You are invited to log onto www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Mike's guestbook, view a tribute to him and share a memory with the family. Information provided by survivors.