Michael D Puddicombe

Mike passed away Monday evening shortly after dinner in his home in Powell Butte, Oregon of a possible heart attack.  Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother, Richard and Virginia Puddicombe. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Karen, of 52 years, his son Stephen Puddicombe and daughter, Caroline Puddicombe, and his favorite and only grandchild, Jonathan - and his older brother, Richard Puddicombe of Ketchum, Idaho and younger sister, Linda Puddicombe-Hahn of Livermore, CA. 

Mike was raised in Owens Valley, living in Manzanar as a toddler when his dad was working on the LA aqueduct. A few years later moved to Independence, CA where he attended kindergarten thru the beginning of the 5th Grade.  His family moved to Bishop while in the 5th Grade and graduated from Bishop Union High School in 1965. 

Mike was well known and respected in high school for playing the trumpet in the band, competing in competitions, playing in the dance band and at the local fair.  And, he played basketball all 4 years on the “C” team. He worked at a number of restaurants where he learned to be a short-order cook.  It seemed he regularly had his high school buddies over and off to go fishing

Upon graduation, Mike attended Loma Linda University of California  and was on the President’s List for outstanding grades. However, Uncle Sam was knocking on the back door, so he auditioned for the US Army Band and served from 1967-1971 playing way too many taps and played in a number of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. He was stationed in San Pedro, CA. 

Mike worked in a number of positions during his life, including his own restaurant. I think, however, his favorite was being a millwright. He had a sharp and creative mind and continued to dream and create a number of items.  And, Mike loved to comment on political issues. 

Mike’s son, Stephen, sums up our loss so well:  

"It was an adventurous and fun ride dad.  Wish you didn't have to get off the ride this soon."

The family is planning an informal Celebration of Life in the Spring 2020. 

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