Michael David Creighton

Michael David Creighton, 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 30, 2026.

Mike was born in Manhasset, Long Island, on June 30, 1937, to Edythe and Frank Creighton, and spent his youth growing up in the Rockville Centre area of Long Island. He graduated from Northwestern University, where he excelled in English and History. A proud member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, Mike developed deep and lasting friendships with his fellow DUs. During college, his love of the stage was on full display in the famous Waa-Mu shows, where he sang and danced alongside performers such as Ann-Margret.

Mike met his wife, Patricia (Pat), while both were teaching English at Park Forest High School in Chicago, Illinois. They married in 1962 but were soon drawn to sunshine, relocating to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they lived happily for 32 years. They welcomed three daughters-Pamela, Barbara, and Alison.

After one year of teaching English, Mike launched a successful career in the building supply industry with U.S. Gypsum Co. and Adobe Brick & Supply, before founding his own company, Color-Rite Building Supply, in 1981. After selling his interest in Color-Rite in 1987, Mike was finally able to indulge his true passion for all things epicurean when he and Pat purchased Il Giardino, a popular Italian restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard. There, they met chef and business partner Larry Lombardo, who became a dear and lifelong friend. Many evenings were spent dreaming up new menu items, including favorites such as Crab Cakes with jalapeño butter sauce, Cannelloni Il Giardino, and what many considered the best Insalata di Caesar around.

In between work, Mike and Pat delighted in travel around the world, trips to New York City for Broadway shows, cruises to the British Virgin Islands, and visits to as many tropical destinations as they could manage.

In 1994, Mike and Pat moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, joining their three daughters and their growing families. They joined Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, where they formed many cherished friendships. Though Mike officially "retired," he was never one to shy away from new challenges, and soon embarked on a second career in real estate. Over the next 30 years, he became a principal broker, owned his own company, and later joined Premiere Property Group, where he served as a reviewing broker for hundreds of agents and found great joy in mentoring others.

The lure of the sun also drew Mike and Pat to La Quinta, California, where they spent nearly half each year as snowbirds in their beloved PGA West community. They became members of Church at the Red Door, a pivotal influence in Mike's life. Through his volunteer work with Prison Ministries, he deepened his faith in Christ-an experience that profoundly impacted him.

Above all else, Mike treasured time with his family, especially vacations to Manzanita, La Quinta, and the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Family meant everything to Mike, and he meant everything to them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Pat; daughters Pamela Ware (Lincoln), Barbara Mount (Scott), and Alison Creighton (Don Bacon); and five adored grandchildren-Lincoln, Ellie, Grace, and Lucy Ware, and Jake Mount. He was also deeply blessed to meet his cherished great-grandson, Peter Ellis Ware.

Services will be held at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to Church at the Red Door, 78365 Highway 111 - PMB 309, Indio, CA 92253.