Turlock

Michael Lewis Sutton passed away unexpectedly but peacefully Saturday, November 26th at Emanuel Medical Center.  Michael was born on October 21, 1942 in Hollywood, California.  A child of war time, he faced some early challenges positively with the support and guidance of many loved ones.  Michael was proud to be a Veteran, to have served in the United States Navy where he also learned his trade of purchasing and systems analysis in electronics and technology.  Michael’s greatest love, pride, and joy were for his family, wife Cleone and their two children, Matthew and Heather.  The family lived in their cherished home in San Jose, California where they loved, laughed, traveled, camped, renovated, celebrated, and grew together.   Michael and Cleone moved to Turlock, California in December of 2000 excited to find a smaller more intimately rooted community.  Happily, Michael spent the last 11 years of his life here, embracing a slower pace and creating new family traditions.  Despite the health challenges he faced recently, Michael always believed he would get back to enjoying his many favorite pastimes including gardening, building, camping, pursuit of the family genealogy, and time with his family.
His strength, love, and loyalty taught us how to love unconditionally.  His sharp, funny, dry, and quick sense of humor taught us how to laugh uncontrollably.  His fearless, wise, relaxed, and practical nature taught us how to live fully.  His kind, gentle, and giving character taught us how to be selfless and to give of ourselves generously.  His skill, talent, patience, and work ethic taught us how to dream freely and to simply get the job done.    
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 43 years, Cleone; children Matthew (partner Matthew) and Heather (spouse David); and grandchildren Michael, Joey, and Gabrielle.
Michael was deeply loved and will remain in the hearts of many.  He was a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He was our family rock; we miss him desperately but know that we were blessed to have loved and been loved by him.

Turlock Journal
Wednesday, January 4, 2012