Sept. 8, 1946 - Nov 2, 2013
Michael Rydjord was born Sept. 8, 1946, in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, and graduated from Bloomington High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris, with a double major in psychology and philosophy. Upon graduation he attended Officers' Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas followed by pilot training in Lubbock, Texas. His military assignments included flying reconnaissance missions at Korat Air Force Base, Thailand; instructor pilot at Reese Air Force Base, Texas; recruiter at Fort Snelling, Minnesota; C-5 pilot at Travis Air Force Base, California; C-5 instructor pilot at Altus, Oklahoma; and finally back to Travis flying C-5s where he retired in 1989. Following retirement from the Air Force he became a pilot for USAir working until he was furloughed in 1991. While on furlough, he did simulator training for Flight Safety at Travis Air Force Base.
During Mike's seven year furlough he served as a volunteer for a month at a time at Sinkyone Wilderness State Park where he welcomed park visitors at all hours day and night, did maintenance, trail work, and park improvements including designing and installing an electrical solar system for the host quarters. He continued serving as a camp host there until his diagnosis of terminal brain cancer in 2012.
Mike also served as a docent for the Solano Land Trust where in 2008 he helped organize the Lynch Canyon Kite Festival, which has become an annual event. His hobbies included carpentry, car repair, home improvement projects, working on computers, hiking, enjoying national parks, and snowmobiling in Yellowstone.
Mike had an inquisitive and analytical mind with an insatiable curiosity and a quest for knowledge. He was a quiet, unassuming man who spent his life taking care of others, being a "behind the scenes" person who always saw what needed to be done. Mike was devoted to his family who greatly appreciated his many fine qualities, especially his dry sense of humor. Memories of his dancing eyes and broad grin will be cherished.
Mike is survived by Linda, his wife of 45 years, and their three children, Timothy (Kelly) Rydjord, Erica (Michael) Mayer, and Todd (Shelly) Rydjord; grandchildren, Maggie Ohama, Cameron, Morgan, and Riley Mayer, Grace and Dani Rydjord, and Naomi Rydjord; sisters, Kathleen St. James and Colleen Rydjord; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Arlene Rydjord and father and mother-in-law, Loyal and Doloris Busby.
The visitation will be held at Nadeau Family Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m., with an evening service to begin at 6 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Nadeau Family Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or NorthBay Hospice, 1200 B. Gale Wilson Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Nadeau Family Funeral Home
707-455-7700, www.nadeaufuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thinking a lot bout my brother Mike , I loved
knowing what his thoughts were on many different issues and have wondered what he’d say today with so many of the issues our nation faces.
Kathleen St James
November 20, 2020
I think of Mike nearly every day, even thou we were living at
great distances loosing my brother has been like loosing a
part of me.. Mike set a wonderful example. One of my lifes regrets will always be that I did not see him more often. He will always be missed.
Kathleen
March 6, 2014
Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I was in his pilot training class at Reese.
Fred Nelson
January 1, 2014
My prayers to you all in this sad time, especially Linda.
Ginny Svatek
November 8, 2013
Erica,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nikole Upchurch
[email protected]
November 7, 2013
As a fellow veteran, I salute you. Nancy Regan, Seattle, Wa.
November 7, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Nadeau Family Funeral Home - Vacaville
November 5, 2013
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