Michael Dewayne Hardcastle

Arrangements under the direction of Dimond and Sons To Michael Dewayne Hardcastle, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Michael, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Michael really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Michael was born on March 16, 1963 at La Mirada Community Hospital in La Mirada, California. His parents were Dennis and Linda Hardcastle. Michael was raised in West Covina, California, Wofford Heights, California and Palmdale, California. Even as a child, Michael had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

Always a good playmate, Michael was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Michael managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Michael was raised with two siblings. He had two younger sisters Lorraine and Denise.

All of Michael's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Michael experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in baseball. He was a Scout. In his spare time he liked Hot Wheels and Baseball Cards.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Michael was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Michael simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Michael, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Michael's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Michael graduated from Palmdale High School and Desert Winds High School in 1981 from Desert Winds. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English.

Michael never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Michael to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Michael delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Michael was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Michael utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were (His cousins Kirk and Jeff Hardcastle) Bill Harris and Pam MeRashoff. Later in life, he became friends with Ron and Brenda Walters, Michael Gilmore, Paul Morales, Debbie Pisker and Crystal Toms. Michael loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

Perhaps the reason Michael related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Michael was blessed with Three children, One daughter Stephanie and two sons Jerrod and Jordan. They were also blessed with One granddaughter, Maddison. Michael had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Michael's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Michael had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, Michael was a real “people person. ” he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Michael liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Michael was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Michael's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Michael as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was Truck Driver / Electrician. He was employed England Trucking.

Michael was an Airman, Regular Air Force. He Stationed in the Stateside at Lackland Air Force Texas.

Michael enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Michael liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were Dancing, Video Games, Crossword Puzzles, Trivia Question Games and Jigsaw Puzzles. Michael was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Michael felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Michael loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Michael relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Michael never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included Bowling. Michael was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Pro Wrestling, Football, Baseball and the L. A. Lakers Basketball Team.

Michael had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Michael's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. In high school, Michael was a member of the Desert Winds Student Body and Desert Winds Yearbook Staff.

Living life in the fast lane suited Michael just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included Lake Isabella, California.

Michael was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Michael's favorites was Tasha, A very sweet gentle Pit Bull.

He is survived by His children Stephanie, Jerrod, Jordan, his Granddaughter Madison, His parents Dennis and Linda Hardcastle, His sisters, Lorraine and Denise, Son-in-law Brian, Brother-in-laws Ricky and Charlie, His nephews Jesse, Devon and Brandon, His nieces Brittany, Taylor,and Vicki, His great nieces and nephews, Serina, Miguel, Richard ,Andrew and Jesse, His aunts Jeanie, Cindy, Coleen, Doty and Diane and His uncle Terry and numerous cousins and many, many friends. Services were held at a later date. Michael was laid to rest in private.

Michael brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Michael Dewayne Hardcastle lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with his smile. Arragements by Dimond & Sons Silver Bell Chapel, Bullhead City, AZ.