Michael Walling

1944 - 2016

Mike Walling, loving husband, brother and son passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2016. Mike was born in Santa Monica, California to a special couple, Joseph and Myrtle Walling on March 10, 1944. With an unrivaled sense of humor, Mike was always popular among the crowd and loved by all. After graduating from University High School, Mike attended and graduated from the University of Southern California. He was President of the Sigma Chi fraternity and had to keep in line such rebel rousers as Tom Selleck and Tim Rossovich, a star USC football player. After graduating from USC, Mike spent the summer in Europe, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army. Mike spent most of his enlistment at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Fortunately he was able to spend many weekends with his beloved aunt and uncle, Dan and Ethel Boone. Uncle Dan was instrumental in cultivating Mike's passion with fishing and provided Mike with needed fellowship during his often, lonely dessert venue. Following his service to our country, Mike began a banking career with United California Bank. After several years he joined his father, Joe Walling, at Santa Monica Bank. Mike quickly excelled at his profession and was instrumental in helping small businesses prosper on the Westside. Mike was an extremely popular businessman in Santa Monica and never missed the opportunity to hear about and counsel a customer or friend on a new venture. Mike met his lovely bride at the Cheerio restaurant in Santa Monica, a favorite hangout. Mike married Elva Abril in 1984. Mike and Elva enjoyed many years traveling down to Palm Desert at their vacation home in Rancho Mirage. An extremely humble individual, Mike never sought out accolades or awards but received many in his service to his favorite organizations, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica and the Salvation Army. Mike retired in the late 1990's from his banking career. Mike honed his golf game with fellow members of the Venice & Marina del Rey Optimist Club, whom he served as President and long-time member. We will always remember Mike for his humor and humility, the latter of which is sorely missing from our culture today. Mike is survived from his wife Elva and brother Tom. He was predeceased by brother Joe, and mother and father, Myrtle and Joseph Walling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. A private service will be held at Woodlawn Mortuary on Friday, February 26th in Santa Monica.