Michael Tate Flanders

Michael T Flanders We gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of Michael T Flanders, who was born on April 17m 1981. Michael was the beloved son of Steven and Carla Flanders, and their only child. He grew up surrounded by love and friendship, and he enjoyed a good childhood with several close friends. Michael accepted the Lord into his heart at around 8 years of age in his Sunday school class. He attended Mountainside Christian School. where his mom taught a practical living class. While in the 5th grade, his class - along with his mom- went on a whale watching trip where they spotted a gray whale. While at Mountainside, he did real well on a large plant project demonstrating how to start and root plants. He showed early signs of the knowledge and curiosity he would later carry into his adult life. Even at a young age, he showed a willingness to help others. He spent time assisting the pastor's wife at Church with children's church, showing early on his caring nature and sense of responsibility. Michael had a 20-inch BMX bike that he rode around everywhere when he was young,. He and his friends built take-off and landing ramps in a nearby filed and went over them fast enough to sending them as high as 8 feet up. He was always daring and liked to push the limits, which one time caused him to come home needing a few band-aids. After he cleaned up, he went right back down for more of the same. As he Grew into his teenage years, Michael developed a fascination with science and exploration. Starting around the age of twelve, he and his parents - and sometimes a friend - would build a launch model rocket at the launch site of the Rocketry Organization of California, known as ROC stock located at the lucerne dry lake bed. This hobby became a family tradition that carried on for several years. Michael loved to build rockets and was persistent even though early on one of his rockets. went up only around 50 feet, then exploded and came down in pieces. later, as a father himself, he passed on some of that to his daughter Madeline, All except the exploding part that is together, they built a pink rocket when she was about 7 years old, and they proudly flew it at one of the rocket events. It did not explode, but it did fly up around 10 feet, then spun around in a circle a few times, then crashed down- not too bad for Madeline's first rocket. That pink rocket is still stored away at his parent' home as a keepsake memory. Michael's curiosity didn't stop at rockets. He enjoyed building a flying model airplanes and driving remote- controlled cars that he built himself. He and his dad bought a 7-inch Meade telescope, and for a couple of years, they would attend astronomy club meetings near Big Bear. They spent several long nights studying the stars, sharing a passion for learning and exploration. At home, Michael and his dad also built go-carts. When he was around eight years old, they put together a 12 - volt electric go-cart. which quickly became a neighborhood favorite, with kids lining up to take turns going around the block. A few years later, they built a faster gasoline go-cart, and soon he and his friends built a racetrack in a nearby field, where they ran it around, going way too fast. around 5 years ago, for a Christmas present, Madeline gave her dad a chance to drive a real race car solo at around 150mph around the then 2 mile long California speedway, which included a video record from inside the car. Michael's talents and interests were wide -ranging. He had a natural gift for working with computers. In junior high, he helped one of his teachers repair a malfunctioning computer, earning her thanks. from that time on he was called on if there was a problem. Michael really enjoyed it when his help was truly appreciated.
He also developed a strong knowledge of plants during his four years working at Flowerland Nursery. At times he would bring home plants his mom and dad never seen before, some of which still grow in the yard today and now become a living reminder of him. Michael's working life was steady and committed. After Flowerland, he worked as a driver for Pepsi Cola for around two and half years. He then joined Dalton Trucking Company, where he dedicated nineteen years of service as a commercial driver. Michael could always be counted on to fill in on short notice when needed. His hard work and loyalty were deeply valued. In 2005, Michael married Christi Raymond, and later that year they welcomed their daughter, Madeline, into the world. Michael's character was defined by his humor, kindness, and hard-working spirit. He enjoyed helping his parents with home projects and had a talent for figuring thing out. When he wanted, he had a quick wit that could bring laughter to those around him, Michael possessed a gentle heart that showed in the way he loved and cared for animals. Michael leaves behind a gray puppy he named silver which will be well taken care of. On August 29, 2025, Michael moved on from this world. Though his time here feels far too short, his memory lives on in the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered as a son, a father, and a friend whose love, kindness, and spirit of adventure will never be forgotten.