Lasting Memories
Michael Shaw McClaskey
June 17, 1959-Jan. 31, 2015
Danville, California
Michael was born and raised in Palo Alto, working his way through Walter Hayes, Jordan and Paly before attending Chico State -- and collecting new friends at each stop. He met Gigi Riker through his sister Julia's sorority at Cal Poly. They fell in love, married, had three children and settled in Danville.
As a child in Palo Alto, Michael and his friends joined Little League, played "mud ball" at Rinconada Park in the rain, and took apart and then rebuilt the bicycles that they used to roam the city. Family vacations were spent in Pacific Grove and at Pinecrest Lake where he learned to hunt, fish and ski, joining the Dodge Ridge race team. Pinecrest became his second home and the place where friends from Palo Alto, Cal Poly, Chico and Danville came together to form one big rollicking group. He and Gigi taught their own kids to ski, race and fish at Pinecrest and initiated the community's annual 4th of July parade, fishing contest and chili cook-off.
Michael was a generous and big-hearted guy with a quick sense of humor. He thoroughly enjoyed people and struck up conversation with everyone he met ?- from the sales person at Home Depot to the parking attendant at Kaiser Hospital. Once he had that conversation with you, you were one of his pals.
Michael was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer five years ago. During these years, two facets of his character came to the forefront ?- strength and stubbornness. He took all that medical science could throw at him without hesitation or complaint. He maintained a positive attitude throughout and stubbornly refused to let the disease stop him from doing the things he loved or being with the people that he held dear. He and the family vacationed in Hawaii and the Caribbean. He continued to work, swim, hunt, fish, and ski as long as physically able. His last hunting trip was undertaken with the help of a walker. He joined his buddies for golf weekends even when limited to driving a golf cart to deliver cold beers to his friends. He went to A's playoff games, Giants World Series games and a few Cal football games. When he died, he was one week shy of attending his 15th AT&T Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach ?- an annual event for Michael and his buddies. He was a fighter and fully determined to enjoy the time that he had.
Michael died peacefully at home surrounded by family and close friends -? as he had been all of his life. He leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Gigi; his beloved children, Riker, Makenna and Lily; his mother, Gerry Shaw; and sisters, Shauny Moore and Julia McClaskey. He is predeceased by his father Lou McClaskey and sister Rory Moore.
Feb. 18, 2015
He gave us all smiles
Feb. 18, 2015
Rogue Rivet
Feb. 18, 2015
Mike understood friendship. Mike understood people. Mike understood family. Mike was my friend through thick and thin growing up in Palo Alto. Like so many people, I am better for having known him. I'm sure this won't surprise anybody but when you hear that Michael "worked" his way through something, you can take it literally. Mike was always working. Gerry raised him to understand the value of hard work. When most of us were still snotty nosed bugger flickers, Mike was toeing the line. I lived around the corner from Mike. He, with his mom and loving sisters, lived in a beautiful two story brick and stucco Spanish style home that Gerry still lives in today. It had a court yard and a big oak tree. It was there that I developed my affection for Golden Retrievers. Many of you may remember "Honey Bear". Being a dog in the McClaskey home was no walk in the park. Mike trained his dogs to hunt, stay, fetch, read and take out the garbage. Ok, but you know what I'm talking about. Mike was always busy building fences, laying brick or painting something. Tasks that we did together sometimes. These things taught us both well the value of hard work. I am thankful to Gerry and Mike for letting me be part of that. Mike was the man of the house at a very young age. I never new him to complain about anything. He always worked. He had a paper route with the Valley Journal, he was mowing lawns, trimming trees, pulling weeds and figuring out how to pay for his Season Pass at Dodge Ridge every Winter. When we got a little older, Mike was re-soling shoes, bussing tables, pouring concrete and anything else he could do to support himself, even though Gerry would have given him anything. Mike always wanted to earn his way. Mike shared this part of his life with me as he did with many others. I am so much better for having known him. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. God Blessed Mike in so many ways, but none greater than the day Mike and Gigi found one another. The love kindness and generosity of spirit that Mike and Gigi shared with all that know them is rare and precious. I am grateful to have witnessed their love and to have been at there at there wedding. As it goes sometimes, we are separated from old friends by time and distance. I didn't get to spend much time with Mike the last 25 years. I am grateful that once a year, at Christmas, we'd exchange cards and be able to see the blessings that God has given us. I am so fortunate to have known Mike and to have called him friend. A part of Mike lives on in each of us. May we honor him by living our lives the way he would wish for us. Thank you for your friendship Mike. God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Feb. 17, 2015
Mike's passing breaks my heart. He used to pick me up in his little, flat, black Porsche to go to pledge meetings at Chico. Such an upbeat, positive and fun friend to be around. My sincere condolences to all Mike's family and friends... May the best of him live on through all of us.
Feb. 16, 2015
Mike is an inspiration to us all. His strength, enthusiasm, large heart and courage to persivear will make us all stronger. I send my love to you Gigi, Riker, Lili, Makenna, and all your family. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. Mike and I were roommates, fraternity brothers and business partners. We shared many wonderful times together. So much fun. So many stories to tell. I love you Thrasher! Rest in peace. Jimmy.
Feb. 16, 2015
Thrasher. A constant smile on his face and his blonde mop stylishly a mess at all times. I admired his expertise, excellence, and quiet patience as he helped us with whatever new project was going on at the House. I am so sorry for the loss of those who loved him. I will remember him. Rest in Peace.
Feb. 13, 2015
This is a beautiful tribute to Mike's life. Gigi and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Feb. 12, 2015
RIP Mike. You will be missed.