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Western Washington University

Michael McArthur Obituary

Michael B. McArthur

Resident of San Jose

July 1, 1956 - Oct. 5, 2010

Michael "Mike" McArthur passed away at home on October 5 after a 13 month battle with an inoperable grade 4 glioblastoma multiform cancerous brain tumor. He bravely underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and extensive medical treatment for his tumor, and maintained an unwavering positive attitude throughout his fight. His motto throughout treatment was often, "We'll see what we can figure out", said with a shake of the head and a smile.

Mike was born in Edmonds, WA, and graduated in 1974 from Edmonds High School. He earned an Engineering degree from Western Washington University, and worked for the railroad while going to school. After he received his degree, he moved to Southern California and worked for Ford Aerospace, and then moved to the Bay Area and started his career working at FMC Corporation. He worked there for over 26 years, riding out many changes in the company which is now BAE Systems. Mike was never out sick, and enjoyed working with everyone at the company, and took pride in the projects assigned to him. He was always dedicated to and focused on producing the best product possible, and was an inspiration to all those with whom he worked over the years.

Mike was an avid bike rider, and competed in many century bike rides, triathlons, biathlons, marathons, and other events. He was always very active and trained hard. As with his professional focus and drive, his motivation to achieve high levels of physical performance and to always push himself beyond his comfort zone put Mike in a class of his own.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Carole of San Jose, his brothers Steve, Ron, Ken, and sister Loretta, who reside in Washington State, as well as extended family and many friends all over the country. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy of strength, bravery, and goodness will live on in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 3:00pm at the Hilton Hotel, 4949 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA Hilton Hotel 408 562-6707. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UCSF Brain tumor Program:Online: http://neurosurgery.ucsf.edu/index.php/support_brain_tumor_care.html or mail donations to: UCSF Foundation PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339 (include a note that it is for the Brain Tumor Center).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from Oct. 16 to Oct. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael McArthur

19 Entries

Carole Tucker

January 7, 2011

Dear Mike, my love....I miss you so very much. It just pains my heart thinking that you are physically gone, but I feel your spirit every day. I love you and miss you so very much! Your wife, Carole

December 31, 2010

I met Mike at FMC when he joined the company in the Manufacturing Department. We worked together on many programs and always had a very goof rapport with each other. After manufacturing left San Jose for York PA. I left the company. Imagine to my surprise one day when out walking in the Blossom Valley neighbourhood I saw Mike outside his house. We stopped and chatted. After that we would occaisonally see each other, he out training for some event, I just out walking. I returned to BAE, formally FMC and Mike was leading a project that I was working on. So we were able to renew our our friendship. I retired in 2008 and did not see him again, even out walking. It is with great sadness that I have now read his orbituary. Rest in Peace Mike you will truly be missed. To Carole, who I only met a couple times, and the families he leaves behind my heartfelt condolances.
Richard Day

One of my favorite pictures of Mike - Toutle River after Mt. St. Helen's blew

Linda Gehrke

November 20, 2010

Hmmm. Where to start. To all of you who knew Michael...

Michael and I first met in college about 1978. He was such a prankster with a twinkle in his eye and a mischevious smile on his face. He was very competitive even then, whether it was rowing for Western Washington University's crew team or playing the first Atari computer games (espcially the tank one) at the corner store where we'd go daily to get chocolate chip ice cream. I considered him one of my closest friends from then until now. After we graduated we stayed in touch over the years. When I moved back east every visit included Mike and I getting together to catch up. When I had the good fortune to move back to the west coast and got California as my territory Mike and I would make sure to get together at any opportunity to catch up. He was also very thoughtful. When the girls were born he made a point to visit each holiday season. He was a very sweet, spectacular man. My thoughts to the Tucker/McArthur families.

Mike near the Toutle Bridge after Mt. St. Helen's blew.

November 20, 2010

Mike at the Toutle River after Mt. St. Helen's blew.

November 20, 2010

Jose Ibanez

October 28, 2010

Our paths crossed each other’s in 2005. We had both worked for the company for many years unaware of each other.
I got to know Mike during the two years we worked together on the FCS NLOS-C vehicle prototype program.
Mike was very competent, very dedicated, had loads of energy, and a subtle sense of humor.
While working the NLOS-C project, our offices shared a common wall at 1205 Coleman, first on wing G, later on wing A. When Mike wanted to talk about any subject, he would knock on the common wall to let me know to go to his office to talk. The last knock on the wall was to let me know that I had been assigned a tour of duty in the MRAP program, AKA, the “black hole.”
Mike not only demonstrated his great personal qualities at work, but also as an athlete! Mike never stopped training for the next Triathlon and was always in great shape! We often coincided at Club One on Tuesday and Thursday mornings where he took a bicycling class. Several guys at the gym referred to the bicycling class as the “Expandex®.” class!
Mike was especially proud of completing the Wildflower Long Course Triathlon in 2007 and would brag about it on occasions!
The Wildflower Triathlon is a three segment race (swim-bike-run race) held at Lake San Antonio in Central California during the first weekend in May each year since 1983. Lake San Antonio is nestled between Camp Roberts and Fort Hunter Liggett.
The original course was expanded to the standardized half-Ironman distance (1.2 mi / 56 mi / 13.1 mi) in the late 1980s, and is often referred to as simply the long course.
Known for a particularly hilly and grueling course, it is one of the largest triathlon events in the world, with 7,500 athletes and 30,000 spectators attending each year.

I don’t know where Mike found the energy and determination!

While thinking of Mike, I wrote a short poem:

Think of Mike swimming
the water splashing on his face
his arms, legs and body
forming ripples on his way

Think of Mike pedaling
the wind blowing on his face
biking at a fast pace
the scenery seamlessly slipping by

Think of Mike running
the sun glowing on his face
while quickening the pace
to finish the race.

John Marx

October 28, 2010

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Mike, but I have known Carole for over 28 years. She clearly loved Mike with all her heart, and I am deeply sorry for her loss. My condolences to the Mcarthur family.

October 28, 2010

I met McArthur in 1992 when I was involved in a 12-month leadership training through Manufacturing with FMC/BMY, and then in 1993 we worked as fellow eng. colleagues on the CAV project and often shared the programs challenges, but also successes!

My personal biggest regret in Mike's passing was that I have long since moved from CA and in fact now live in NM. Although we kept in touch via email I have not seen Mike since 1995, and I soooo wish I could have visited at least once during his incredibly gracious struggle to remain with all of us. I was often humbled by Carole's so very caring updates regarding Mike's fight to get cured.

Bless you, Carole, for keeping all of us updated. For me, it made Mike's passing so much easier to accept rather than having to learn suddenly. I know all those update emails were not easy for you.

Peace be with you, Carole, and I am certain that Mike is resting in much well deserved Peace himself.

God bless!

Keith Walberg

October 28, 2010

Mike is and always will be just an awesome person. I was very fortunate to meet Mike and his lovely wife Carole many moons ago and have always enjoyed there friendship and company. Our heart goes out to the Tucker and McArthur familes. He will always be in our prayers. I know right now he is relaxing with my Mom looking down on us with a smile.

Bill Fourte

October 24, 2010

Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was one of the good guys and contributed to making FMC a great company. We'll say a prayer for the family and be thankful for the time he spent with us.

Norman Collier

October 22, 2010

I worked with Mike on the JLTV Program at BAE Systems. Mike was the Manufacturing Manager on this project. Mike was a very low key guy but always professional and concerned about accomplishing the mission. Our job at the company was to provide the American Soldiers with the best Military Equipment that we could designed and produced. Mike played a key role in producing an excellant product. God bless Mike and his family.

Norman Collier
Sr. Project Engineer, retired

George Haskin

October 20, 2010

Mike was always a professional and treated everyone with the utmost respect. I envied his lifestyl as a "health nut", somthing he always just smiled about. MIke was just one of those "good" guys you meet every so often. We have and will continue to miss him here at work. Rest in peace Mike!

Steve Demtpm

October 20, 2010

I worked with Mike in the 90's and early 200's at UDLP and subsequently BAE. I knew him to be a guy with drive and a can do attitude even in the toughest situations. I was always trying to figure out his dry sense of humour. It hits me hard to know that someone you worked with and admired is now gone. My condolences to all of his family and wife.

Debbie & Kristi Mia Sorella

October 18, 2010

It was a pleasure getting to know you both. Our thoughts are with you. We will think of him each time when the brownies are put out, and smile.

Mike Gilbert

October 18, 2010

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike several years ago to team up for a running race. He has been such a fun loving and great guy to be around ever since. I will truly miss his company at work, at the gym, and after hours. My condolences to Carole and his family.

Aashish Dalal

October 17, 2010

I was honored to work with Mike at BAE systems, where I realized how talented, resourceful, and intelligent he was. He was an inspiration in the early years of my career even down to the spinning classes we were in at the local gym. I will miss Mike as a colleague and a friend. My condolences to the McArthur family.

Newton

October 16, 2010

To the Mcarthur family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his LOVE, STRENGTH, and PEACE in this time of sorrow.He has no pain anymore may he R.I.P <3

October 16, 2010

Thank you Lord for the wonderful person who inspired, motivited, and keep me strong through his words of wisdom. May the Lord bless his family and his lovely wife whom Mike loved so dearly. I will miss Mike and thank you for everything.

Don Keck

October 16, 2010

Mike was a smart, fun loving, and friendly person that both my wife, Cindy, and I had the pleasure of knowing during our days working at FMC, UDLP, BAE. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Mike.

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