San Bernardino County Obituaries

Michael Martin De Lano

Submitted by Peggy Hooper

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"Big Bear Grizzly"; Wednesday, July 15, 2009

53, passed on July 5, 2009. Born in Oxnard, Calif., to Clarence (Pete) and Patricia De 
Lano, Mike spent his young years traveling with his family through various parts of California 
as his father was an oil rigger, and his mother was an attentive mother to three growing boys. 
Summers were spent in Texas with his grandparents, aunts and uncles, times he treasured. 
At the age of 15 his interest in building Harley motorcycles increased to a life long love for 
riding. By the time he graduated high school he became the youngest oil rigger at that time, 
a trade he worked in alongside his father. Numerous jobs came after that as his interest in 
education and fascination of different trades grew while working for McDonnell-Douglas in 
research and development. Moving to Big Bear for the love of the outdoors he became a 
roofing contractor. Knowing this was not a job he loved, he once again opened doors to another 
passion, body building. He opened the STRICkLY IRON GYM. The business closed doors after 
the earthquake. Not one to be knocked down, on to the passion for the ocean. Mike became a 
Merchant Marine, working for Arco on an oil tanker to Alaska and various other parts of the 
world. Layoffs in 2002 somehow opened his mind to inventing. Motorcycle accessories and 
gym equipment were his main concentrations. The last and final job for Mike was becoming a 
millwright, a job he absolutely loved. Mike's life was very much at peace when he passed, so for 
now he will live in my heart until we meet again.

Mike is survived by his wife, Laurie De Lano, of Erwin Lake; parents Ron & Pat McLaughlin of 
Bakersfield; brothers Randy De Lano (Tammi) of Newport Beach and Chris De Lano of Mexico; 
sons William De Lano of Fontana and Sam De Lano (Patti) of Washington; grandsons Isaac, 
Anthony and Andrew; one niece Brittany and one nephew Nick.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Pete De Lano and son Pete De Lano.

Services will be held Monday, July 20, 2 p.m. at the Community Church by the Lake, 40946 
Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA. Call (909) 866-7523 for more info.