Michael B. Churton

1956 - 2017

MICHAEL B. CHURTON, 60, died peacefully and way-too-soon at home, with his family at his side, on June 3, 2017 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in San Francisco on July 3, 1956, Mike was the eldest son of the late R. Barry and Catherine Churton.  Forever proud of his “DC” and Nor Cal roots, Mike attended Our Lady of Mercy grammar school in Daly City, graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1974 and earned a degree in Radio and Television with a minor in history from San Francisco State University in 1980.

Mike worked in the telecommunications industry for over thirty years, including field and sales positions with Pacific Bell, AT&T and most recently Verizon.  Mike leaves behind many close colleagues, clients and friends throughout the industry.  Mike also was an active member of the Colombo Club in Oakland for many years.

A long-time Petaluma resident, Mike was the devoted and loving husband to his wife of almost thirty years, Karen (Tiernan), and proud father to his beloved son Jeff and his very dear daughter Jen.  Mere words cannot describe the closeness and friendship Mike built with Jeff and Jen, a relationship that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Mike will be an irreplaceable member of his close band of Churton-Koenig siblings.  Originally one of four brothers and a sister, after Catherine’s death Barry married the late Patricia Finn Churton, the widowed mother of three sons.  Together they formed and nurtured a festive, vibrant, loving family of eight children that welcomed in scores of friends from the City and Marin over the years.  Mike will be forever missed by his sister, Deborah Churton, and his brothers Mark Koenig (Theresa), David Churton (Signe), James Koenig (Becky), Peter Koenig (Mary Guilfoyle), Kenneth Churton (Lucy) and John (Jak) Churton (Lisa). 

Mike also is survived by his dear mother-in-law, Peggy Tiernan, and very close brothers-in-law Kevin Tiernan, Timothy Tiernan and Dennis Tiernan, as well as 26 loving and well-loved nieces and nephews and a grand-niece and grand-nephew.

Above all, Mike was committed to his family, joining in his children’s many activities and taking annual family pilgrimages to his beloved Lake Tahoe and Spring Training in Arizona. His home was always open. There you could hear classic 80’s tunes (and the never-to-be-missed Frank Sinatra magic as background for Sunday night family dinners), find an incredible meal, a well-poured drink and countless belly laughs.  A lifetime fan and commentator for the Giants, Niners and Warriors, he relished his three World Series triumphs.  Self-proclaimed “smartest Churton”, Mike’s intelligence, dry humor and sharp wit will be remembered by all who knew him.  He truly was larger than life.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass celebrating Mike’s life on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11:00 at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Colombo Club, 5321 Claremont Avenue, Oakland, CA  94618 would be appreciated.