Michael Eiden

1946 - 2021

August 7, 1946 - May 5, 2021 Michael Robert Eiden was born August 7, 1946 to John and Marie (Job) Eiden in Los Angeles, California. He and his younger brother Steven grew up in Southern California, the family finally settling in Pico Rivera. The house they lived in was known in the neighborhood for its Cold War Era fallout shelter, built by his father, a building contractor. Michael attended El Rancho High School and then transferred to the newly-opened Pioneer High School where he served as a yell leader and participated in drama. He attended Cal State Long Beach, majoring in Theatre Arts until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in lieu of being drafted. He served for four years and saw duty in Vietnam on the USS Ticonderoga. Later, Michael pursued his love of acting, at one time being selected to become the "Warren Beatty of Korea". Although that did not pan out, he did become a lifelong member of Screen Actors Guild. He and his wife, Susan (Hunter) met in a production of Born Yesterday at the Whittier Community Theatre. They were married on September 2, 1978, having two children: Emily in 1980 and Andrew in 1983. Michael remained active in the Whittier Community Theatre, serving on its board and as president for several years. Michael worked for The City of Whittier as director of the Whittier Junior Theatre where he provided guidance and support for Whittier's young performers for twenty years. He also directed the New Frontier Players, a theatre company for adults with disabilities. He was affiliated with several performing groups in Hollywood, most recently as a producer/director at Write Act Repertory. He was Technical Director for all of his wife's drama productions at California High School in Whittier. Michael's other great love was traveling the world. To satisfy his wanderlust, he became a travel agent, working for many years at Village Travel in Uptown Whittier. He and his family vacationed all over the world, including a trip to China right before the pandemic closed down travel. He was a jewelry maker whose work was displayed many times at the HWY 62 Art Tour in Twentynine Palms where he and his family loved to spend time at their Wonder Valley cabin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his children, Emily Eiden Murphy (Trevor) and Andrew Eiden (Sarah), grandchildren Caroline and Oona Murphy, his father Jack, brother Steve, and many relatives and dear friends. A funeral service is planned for Saturday, June 19 at 3:00 p.m. in the SkyRose Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Burial will follow immediately.