Michael Gerald Hitchcock
Michael Gerald Hitchcock
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Michael Hitchcock Obituary
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Marc Martin
November 4, 2024
I am late to the party and not sure who will read this, but I want to say something, hoping a family member might see this. Mr. Hitchcock was my science teacher and water polo coach (along with another science teacher) at Rowland HS in 1968/69. I was his lab assistant during freshman science classes. And he was my friend. We worked together as lifeguards during the summer at the school pool. He invited me to join him in a SCUBA cert class as well as our first open water dive in Laguna. I helped him set up his dark room in the science building as he launched his photography passion. His sense of humor was unlimited, as was his earthy wisdom. The school swimming pool was new and he was new to the sport so he improvised. One conditioning drill involved swimming the length of the pool dragging a clean aluminum trash can - with a teammate inside. As a teacher, he had a way of penetrating and capturing the minds of teenagers. I have so many vivid (and specific) memories. Too many to share them here. He was the best teacher ever. And he was a great friend. He gave me advice when I ran for a school office (I lost) and when I told him about the girl I wanted to marry. Of course I majored in Biology and played water polo in college. I lost touch after he moved to Workman but I realized later how much he affected my life. I loved the man and cherish his memory.
Ann and Dave Groenig
December 2, 2021
We met Mike and Joan in 2005 while in Alpine, AZ. We enjoyed spending time with them around their table, eating or playing games, on walks around the neighborhood, and on ATV rides. Mike was quite the character and always had a story to share. We were amazed by the stories about building their cabin without any construction experience. Mike was a "Git-r dun" kind of guy who was always up for a challenge. Mike loved talking about his years of teaching high school science and the many trips he and Joan took after retiring. Being staunch conservatives, we enjoyed the in-depth discussions about our country and the direction it was heading. Mike's ability to capture the world's beauty in his photos was remarkable. He was always willing to share his amazing pictures with us. Mike was a "God and Country" kind of man with a big heart and a great sense of humor. We are so blessed to have spent time with Mike and his family. We are looking forward to the fun times we will have when we see Mike again in Glory.
Mary Lou Reno
November 30, 2021
I enjoyed our talks that were not often enough. He was always ready to share his history & add a fun joke.God has given us the gift of memories, my prayer is for you & the family find comfort in those. God bless you & your family as you move through this time of grieving. Micheal ran the good race & God said it was time to come home. Rest In Peace Michael.
Alan
November 29, 2021
Mike and I were introduced when I was hired as a math and science instructor at Workman High School. That was my first teaching assignment. Mike helped me to make that time memorable. It was a great time to be in the classroom. There were lots of new thing to add to the lessons. At the top of the list was humor.
The Science department was sort of divided into the biological sciences and physical sciences. Mike and I were on the physical science side. While I also taught math I liked working in the science department because of my time with Mike.
Mike would sometimes come into my classroom and add a joke or some off-the-wall antic. I learned to often return the favor. And needless to say the students would enjoy our efforts.
When we were not working we would often share leisure activities such as camping, visiting Mexico on the Baja, or riding dirt bikes across a dry lakebed. Mike also liked to cook. His burritos were fantastic!
I worked with Mike for ten years while I taught at Workman. After I left teaching I remained in touch. Eventually Mike retired and then I retired. We were able to keep in contact through the years.
I will miss Mike as a mentor, colleague and friend.
Alan Schultz
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Barbara Burgess
November 29, 2021
Mike always made us feel so wanted and welcomed whenever we were together. If he had a special game or gadget that he really liked you wouldn't leave without him getting you one also. He always loved cards or games, those were always some of my favorite memories listening to the teasing, laughter and love that would go on around the table!
He would always make sure you were able to see interesting things when we were together,
There was never a dull moment with Michael.
I loved the way he always shared his wonderful trips dvd and photos.
He sure had a gift of teaching, once he explained something to you, you never forgot he just had a way about him.
He will be missed. Sending prayers and love to his wonderful family. Love you all so much.
Gary Burgess
November 28, 2021
I didn't have a lot of time to spend with Mike
because of the miles between us. I do have good memories of our camping trips when our kids were young, our trip to Mexico & Alpine, Colorado. Mike was always entertaining and made you feel very welcomed. I admired his education and talents such as building a house without working in construction.
His humor: one of his phrases I use a lot when I asked how old someone was he said she's not to new.
Rebecca Morris
November 27, 2021
Mr. Hitchcock was my Chemistry teacher and Swim coach.
Rebecca (Becky Shomo) Morris Class of 87 Workman High School
Harry and Mary Finley
November 25, 2021
Mike will always be remembered by our family
As a great teacher and good friend
Our thoughts and prayers with all his family
Mike Manchulenko
November 24, 2021
Mike was a great friend and neighbour. I enjoyed listening to the stories of his travels around the world. Last year Mike was generous of his time in teaching me how to play chess. I very much enjoyed the time spent with him and will miss my friend. Mike Manchulenko
Mary Hitchcock Pruss
November 21, 2021
My Uncle Mike was very dear to us. We had fond memories of that beautiful smile you see in the pictures. He was extremely important to my brother Mike, whom was named after him. He made sure to let us know we were loved. May God wrap his loving arms around him and may he shine down on us all. I only wish I could have told him I loved him.
Bruce
November 21, 2021
When I was discharged from the U S Coast GUARD in July of 1968 and started working for
General Telephone Company in Baldwin Park CA.
I bought a home in Valinda, and was transferred to the La Puente division.
I was unpacking some boxes and found my HAM RADIO Eqpt. I thew an antenna between some trees, pulled out the old morse code key and pounded away.
CQ CQ CQ DE W6KLI W6KLI K (AROUND 1972-1973)
Got a response from a ham WA6TJV.
This was an exciting contact for me being the first since I received my new call W6KLI. I had been k1QDV
I exchanged information with WA6TJV and finished the contact. Could not have been 5 mins later and this man came walking up my driveway. Are you Bruce? Yes sir that's me! Nice to meet you Bruce.
I just talked to you on the radio, I'm Mike Hitchcok WA6TJV. Wow! What an introduction. The start of a
New friendship.
One thing about Mike, he was not afraid to meet people or voice his opinion.
Yvonne Tomlinson
November 21, 2021
As a homeschooling mother, I was particularly grateful for the time Mike devoted to teaching High School chemistry to my kids, while he was "vacationing" in Alpine. And once he was back in CA he would send us calendars of Palm Desert, and photos of Joan with celebrities on the golf course. Most letters came covered in stamps from other countries!
Franz even got to play golf once with Mike at the Alpine Country Club.
Our prayers are with the family, especially Joan.
Franz and Yvonne Tomlinson
David & Mary Ann
November 21, 2021
We fondly remember Michael, our good neighbor, for over 20 years. He often gave us DVDs of his documented vacations that we thoroughly enjoyed. We will miss him.
Deidre Vail
November 21, 2021
I taught in the Science Department of Workman High with Mike for 11 years. He was quite a character, and I mean that in a very positive way. He was a truly engaging teacher - zany, innovative and willing to do whatever it took, to make his lessons memorable for his students.
I have many memories of Mike, here are a few.
1) At one point I as teaching a Basic Science class for remedial students and was trying to teach them about the importance of observation in science. In the middle of class, Mike would come running through my classroom in his lab coat, with a wild hair wig, big glasses with a huge fake nose and carrying a toilet plunger, just so I could then ask my startled students what they had observed.
2) Mike taught a course we affectionately called "popcorn chemistry" where he taught his students all kinds of science (density, statistical analysis of data, etc.) using popcorn! Rather than students earning traditional points for their work, innovative Mike paid them in "Bamba Bucks" which were eventually converted to a grade!
3) All of the Science Department faculty used to eat lunch together. We decided we wanted to eat healthier and decided to eat lots of salad. Mike volunteered to be our "salad chef". Every Monday he would come in with this HUGE bin of all kinds of shredded vegetables, lettuces, etc. and we would eat salad all week long. We appreciated his labor of love to help us eat healthier.
Mike was truly one of a kind, and he will be missed by all who knew him. I'm certain his family has so many wonderful memories to cherish. My thoughts are with all of the them during this difficult time.
Deidre Vail
Michael Kedulich
November 21, 2021
My prayers are with Mike's family. So many who knew him will be sadden at his passing. He was one of my favorite Workman people. He was always one of the most positive and joyful people. Always a pleasure to be around.
Diane Bowles
November 21, 2021
Michael once gave me a handmade birthday card complete with stickers and wonderful sayings! How blessed was I to receive that in the mail? May he rest in peace, knowing he put others before himself in life!
Diane Bowles, Bush Valley Craft Club
Viola Maxwell
November 20, 2021
Vi & Chuc
Bruce Giunta
November 20, 2021
73 my friend! u will be missed! Bru W5VYH
Ellen Hansing
November 20, 2021
Dear Joan,
So sorry to hear about Mike. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Dan & Ellen
'ric boardman
November 19, 2021
I taught with Mike (Mr. Hitchcock) for over 20 years. Mike was an outstanding teacher of chemistry. He had a great sense of humor and was able to use it in a very affective manor in teaching chemistry and basic science. Mike and I often "teamed-up" in dealing with presenting
subject matter and with student "problems". we played many games of chess and backgammon during our lunch hour (sometimes with students and/or other faculty members}.
Rick Klein
November 18, 2021
Mike was my chemistry teacher at Workman HS, he also worked summers with my dad at Pennzoil Co. So, I got to know him as a teacher and a friend of the family. To this day I still remember a lesson he taught using an element from the periodic table. I will attempt to describe with words. What do you call a . . . (this is where a drawing works better) but draw a circle, now make it an eight spoked circle, where the spokes meet the circle write the letters; Fe . . . it's called a Ferrous Wheel.
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