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BORN
1937
DIED
2015
Michael Denham Obituary
May 11, 1937 - April 13, 2015
Michael Earl Denham was born on May 11, 1937 to Thelma Irene Fore and Harold Lawrence Denham in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Thelma moved Michael and his older brother Jerome (d.2011) to San Francisco around 1940.Michael first saw Sheila May Lyon, "the love of his life" at the El Ray theatre in San Francisco in 1952 when their life long journey began. Michael and Sheila both would go on to attend Lincoln High School in San Francisco together.
After high school Michael went to college in Oregon while working in a lumber camp.
His patriotic spirit shown through when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1956. Michael quickly realized his love of flying but with no flight program in the Corps, he switched branches to the United States Navy in 1957 and became an Aviation Cadet. That December saw Michael and Sheila marry in San Francisco. In 1958 Ensign Michael received his wings and was commissioned with orders to VF-142 based at NAS Miramar, CA, to fly the F8 Crusader, a single engine supersonic fighter jet. In addition to flying F8U-2N's, Michael flew the T34, T28, T2J Buckeye and then the A4 Skyhawk in reserves out of Alameda. He was deployed on the USS Oriskany, Kitty Hawk, Independence, and Constellation before leaving the Navy in 1965. In 1976 NASA made record their gratitude of Michael's Aeronautical Research contribution through his participation in the First Full Mission Simulation Study For Human Factors in Aviation Safety with regard to the Space Shuttle Program.
As a first officer of the 707 and 747 for Pan American Airways (1965-1986) and Captain of the 757, 767, and 777 for United Airlines (1986-1996) Michael saw the world. He found favorite noodle bars in Japan, climbed to the top of the St. Peters Basilica, loved flying 747's into Kai Tak airport, taught his grandchildren to "mind the gap" in the British subway, and in his retirement sailed his boat from Washington to San Francisco with the help of both his sons-in-law and some very good friends.
Our loving and generous "Poppy" will be missed every day by his surviving wife of 57 years Sheila May Lyon Denham, his daughter Kathleen Denham Putnam (Les) of Brentwood, CA, his son Keith Denham, his daughter Candace Denham Carlisle (Michael) of Brentwood, CA, his brother Frederick Meyer (Marty), his sister Carolyn Helley, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Denham
Linda Davis
April 27, 2020
Dear Sheila and Family,
Mike is pasted into my memories and will always be there. He was someone to always look up to and is missed. I wish you and your family the best, especially is this troubled times.
Linda
May 5, 2015
Dear Sheila and Family:
Mike will be sorely missed by all of us. As you know he was an active member In the Lincoln High School Class of '55 Men's Club, wherein we all have met for lunch around Christmas time each year for the past 38 years.
He was a great classmate at Lincoln and always upbeat, positive, a joy to talk to.
Best wishes and much love to Mike's family,
Bob Kahn
Nicole Zwinge
May 4, 2015
You will be very missed Uncle Mike. On our birthday I will blow an additional candle out for you in honor. I have always looked up to you even did a report on you being a pilot in school. I wanted to be a pilot because of you. You will forever be missed and have a place in our hearts. say hello to mom, Uncle Jerry, and grandma for me. Much love and support to all of my family and Uncle Mike's friends for your loss. Keep looking up at the sky for Uncle Mike will forever be flying high!
May 4, 2015
I saw Mike, more as a younger person than I did as an adult. He has always been a good person, friend and my cousin and I will never forget him. My mother always had fond memories of Michael and Sheila and loved them very much. My deepest condolences to the family and wish all of the family my love and peace. Linda
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Maureen McLaughlin
May 3, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Denham Family, particularly to Keith with whom I worked with as a real estate agent at Great Western Real Estate in the late 80s/early 90s. God Bless your family.
Maureen McLaughlin
Gordon & Jeanne Carlisle
May 3, 2015
Mike was one of the most interesting friends I have ever met. His love of family and friends will always be remembered by those who knew him. When he and Sheila walked into a room,their presence was felt by every one in it. Mike will be missed but never forgotten. To the Denham family you will have fond memories always and forever. Jeanne and Gordon Carlisle
Connie Johnston
May 3, 2015
He was a good brother to my dad, and we all really liked Uncle Mike. I owe my identity as an A's fan in part to him. My parents weren't into buying records, so he's the one who showed us we could buy 45's - he wanted to show us "Rubber Ducky!" Have really enjoyed conversing with him as an adult, and very sorry to see him go. Love to Sheila, Kathy, Keith, Candace, Fred and Carolyn.
Glen Fore
May 3, 2015
I will miss him and the times we spent together as kids. He was always kind of my hero and I looked up to him. He was humble and never made himself out to be better than anyone else. He led by example and we need more like him. You never get to spend enough time with some people you love. But then I think I will see him again maybe to talk about Boulder Creek, Clear Lake, or just catching the street car to see Sheila. Maybe to just set next to one another to praise our God and Savior. I hope so. Cousin Glen
Poppy came to see me graduate basic training in 2009
Chris Carlisle
May 3, 2015
May 3, 2015
My deepest condolences to Sheila and her family. Mike will be sorely missed. Tony Longo his squadron mate in VF-142 and VF-132.
Carolyn Helley
May 3, 2015
My wonderful brother and person, I will always love you. You were the world to me and our family, you will surely be missed. Love you always Carolyn
Neptune Society of Northern California
May 2, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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