A Funeral Mass for Michael will be held Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1950 Junction Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747.
Michael was the firstborn son of Russell and Rhea (Phyllis) Kilpatrick in the small town of Vermontville, Michigan. With a great sense of humor, blue eyes and mischievous smile he was very popular at school and with the girls. His love for sports began at a very early age and he soon became an all star; playing football, baseball, basketball and golf. Multi-talented and musical as Michael was, he also played trumpet in the school band.
As the oldest son, he soon learned that playing tricks on his brothers Steve and Kevin was great fun and he took great joy in doing so. He enjoyed summers at the family cottage on Higgins Lake where he had such cherished memories of his Dad, Grandfather and brothers going fishing, boating and just hanging out. Upon his High School graduation, Michael attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Relations and remained forever a “Go Green, Go White” Sparty fan!
After College he moved to Hawaii and worked with Hawaii Professional Football Inc. While in Hawaii he earned his Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and pursued a career in HVAC with Honeywell. He so enjoyed Hawaiian culture and knew it would play an important part in his life for years to come.
While in Hawaii he met Cecelia, the love of his life. They moved to California and were married on November 28, 1981 in the beautiful town of Carmel by the Sea. He surprised her with a Honeymoon in Tahiti, the first of many amazing travels they would share throughout their marriage.
Michael and Cecelia bought their first home in Redwood City and Michael was hired by the California State Lottery as their first Sales Director. He stayed with the Lottery in various positions until his retirement.
In July 1986, his pride and joy Megan was born and his life was complete. He was so happy being a Dad and taught Megan the joy of sports, the importance of family, laughter, humor, honesty, and music. Music was at the center of their relationship; Michael always loved to quiz Megan on the musical knowledge he imparted to her. But above all else, he taught her the ‘Rules of Being a Kilpatrick.” We would be remiss not to mention the famous saying, “Kilpatrick's never lie.”
In 1988 the family moved to the Sacramento area living in Granite Bay and Roseville. Michael loved his Family, Photography, Football, playing Golf and the vacations he planned were the best! He enjoyed writing short stories, especially ones involving his family and adventures as a child. His infamous tale about his brother Steve’s mishap became “Stevie and the Outhouse”, a story which was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul in 2009.
Retirement allowed Michael to enjoy traveling even more with family trips to Europe, Cruises, bus tours, trips to Michigan State Football games, Hawaii and cross country car trips to Michigan to spend time with his family and much beloved Higgins Lake cottage he christened Kildanboz. A portmanteau of family names who had enjoyed the cottage across the years.
In recent years Michael and Cecelia spent most of their vacations at the place where Michael felt the best and at home… their Maui condo on the ‘Au’au Channel looking at whales, turtles, rainbows and sunsets… Here they made even more precious memories together. A significant one being his last Maui Sunset, blowing the Conch Shell.
His amazing life ended too soon as there was still so much he wanted to see and to experience; one more whale season, one more 49er Super Bowl Win , one more great MSU season. Maybe this would finally be the year for the Kings! But most of all more time with his beloved family.
Mike was a loving husband, adoring father, great brother, dear uncle and loyal friend.
Michael, you are so missed. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Until we meet again. We know Ranger was waiting for you on the Rainbow Bridge.
Aloha nui loa,
Cecelia and Megan
Donations in honor of Michael can be made to the Pacific Whale Foundation. Please see the donation link below.
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