Michael Dennis "Mike" Eggleston

Michael Dennis (Mike) Eggleston, aged 77, passed away at his home on November 26th, 2025. Born in Chico to Floyd and Joy Eggleston on December 15th, 1947, Michael is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Eggleston (Hopper), his three daughters, Michelle Seipert, Becky Johnson and Mandi Atkinson, his grandchildren, Luke and Miranda Seipert, Cliff and Maeve Johnson, and Michael and Lauryn Atkinson, his sister Shelley, and his brother Bruce. He was preceded in death by his older brother Pat, and his older sister Evalene.

After graduating from Chico High School in 1966, Mike worked in the trades as a master plumber, working on buildings all over Northern California, including Holt Hall, Bell Memorial Union, and Enloe Hospital. Later in his career Mike switched to working as a piping detailer, using computer-aided drafting to design plumbing systems that were to be installed in infrastructure projects like ethanol refineries and prisons. Mike had a natural mechanical aptitude that few possess, and his work can be found in dozens of buildings in this area.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike traversed many dirt roads in the Western United States, in pursuit of deer and other big game, then later, in pursuit of rocks and minerals with other members of the Paradise Gem and Mineral Club. When mentioned to his family, the phrase "short cut" usually prompts a bit of a chuckle, as the average Mike Eggleston short cut added at least 50% to the travel time, and usually involved some close calls, technical off-roading, and cool stories to tell at camp afterward.

Since he had a passion for rocks and geology, he volunteered his time at elementary schools in Chico, Durham and Orland, giving what he called "rock talks", during which he educated kids about geology and the rock cycle. He brought different kinds of rocks, crystals and fossils along with magnifying lenses and ultra-violet lights to make certain minerals glow fluorescently. Kids all got to handle the rocks, including the coprolite (fossilized poop, which the kids almost always sniffed at) and each student got a polished rock to take home. He delighted in sharing his own curiosity and love for learning with kids in any classroom whose teacher asked him.

Known for his generosity, Mike was always willing to lend help and expertise when it was needed, and always managed to have the right part or tool for the job, which he usually gave to the person needing it, refusing to be paid. There were endless projects, builds and repair jobs that would've been many times more difficult, or impossible, without him.

He reserved his greatest generosity for his grandchildren, all of whom he completely adored. With them he was generous with his time and his love and his knowledge. He always made sure they knew he was proud of them. He took them with him all over the West searching for rocks and hot springs and beautiful scenery and sometimes a good deal on a piece of equipment. They found all of those things along with amazing memories they'll have forever.

When the Camp Fire destroyed Paradise in 2018, Mike opened his home and property to 24 people, friends and their families, so they could have warmth and food and companionship for the days afterward, as they learned the fates of their homes and belongings and planned their next steps. Some were still living with him months later.

Mike Eggleston will be dearly missed by his family as well as countless others whose lives he touched, always for the better. A celebration of life is scheduled for January 31st, 2026 at 1pm at Durham Veterans Memorial Hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Paradise Gem and Mineral Club at paradisegemmineral.com.