May God bless you and your...
Marc Martin
November 04, 2024
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Michael Gerald Hitchcock
Palm Desert, California
Sep 20, 1937 – Nov 11, 2021 (Age 84)
About
BORN
September 20, 1937
DIED
November 11, 2021
AGE
84
LOCATION
Palm Desert, California
Obituary
Send FlowersMichael Gerald Hitchcock, 84, of Palm Desert, passed away peacefully with his wife Joan by his side in his home, Thursday November 11th, 2021. Mike was born September 20th, 1937 Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa. If you knew Mike he was proud to tell everyone he was an Army Brat from WWII, and thanked every Veteran that crossed his path and made sure to thank them for their Service. He was a true Red, White, and Blue Patriot. Mike had a passion for education. He loved learning himself and took many college courses along with obtaining his Master's degree in Chemistry from University of Central Missouri in (1962) with a BS degree from Rockhurst University (1960). He also loved passing his knowledge on to the younger generation in which he taught chemistry as well as coached swimming, and water-polo for 32 years. He retired from Workman High School in the City of Industry in (1997). His favorite place was Alpine Arizona, where he spent every summer and was able to purchase a beautiful lot of land, building an amazing home from the ground up with his family. Mike was an Avid Radio Ham Operator (KS6FF) and made contacts from all over the world, and also really enjoyed photography, golfing, traveling, woodworking, cooking, and writing for the local newspapers. Michael is survived by his beautiful wife Joan of sixty one years, son Tim and wife Karen Hitchcock of Fallbrook CA, Daughters Kileen Sartin and her husband Jerry of Riverside CA, Jeanne Robbins and her husband Mark of Edgewood NM, and Diane Hitchcock of Palm Dessert CA. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Dutch Nestra and his wife Amanda. JD Sartin, Aron Robbins and his wife Karrie, Eric Robbins, Evan Hitchcock, and Griffin Hitchcock. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren Dutch and Aralyn Nestra. There will be no in-person or online Memorial Service. This was Michael's wishes. The family will conduct a private ceremony with a "Gin Buck" in hand. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, we would greatly appreciate any comments, stories, pictures, and videos that you can share by adding to Michael's memorial tribute. "King Sugar Six Fox Fox" "Cheers"
Guest Book
Marc Martin
November 04, 2024
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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...
Marc Martin
November 04, 2024
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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...
Ann and Dave Groenig
December 02, 2021 | Sun City, AZ | Friend
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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.
Mary Lou Reno
November 30, 2021 | Neighbor
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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...
Alan
November 29, 2021 | Friend
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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...
Barbara Burgess
November 29, 2021 | Harrisonville, MO | Family
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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.
Gary Burgess
November 28, 2021 | Harrisonville, MO | Family
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Mr. Hitchcock was my Chemistry teacher and Swim coach.
Rebecca (Becky Shomo) Morris Class of 87 Workman High School
Rebecca Morris
November 27, 2021 | Waxahachie, TX | Student
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