Mike’s heart gave out at his home in Eureka on June 8, 2023. He was a graduate of Fortuna High School and Phoenix Institute of Technology and was a talented Master Mechanic. Mike (Papa) had two daughters, Brittany and Nicole, and maintained a lasting friendship with their mother, Margot. Mike cherished his relationships with his family and many friends.

Mike’s free spirit found peace around the beaches of Humboldt and at his family’s ranch in Petrolia. His dog Shasta, always at his side as his constant companion. Mike was granted the gift of time to allow him to attend his sister Kris’ wedding on May 20th in Lincoln, Calif. with his entire family.

He is preceded in death by his dogs Zack and Rifle; and his grandparents Harold (Herky) and Vada Lawrence, Clarence Heney, and Pearl and Ada Kesterson. He is survived by his parents Neal and Pat Kesterson; his daughter Brittany Powell (Lyndon) grandchildren Mila and Levi; daughter Nicole Whitmire (Chase) grandchildren River, Grace and Hope; and his sister Kris Kesterson (Tom)

His ashes will be scattered at a family gathering at the Petrolia ranch.

Cherish your loved ones. “No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for goodbye.”

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