On Monday, March 2, 2020, Michael Christopher Trousdale (Mikey Mike, Mike, Big Mike, Joker, Mick) , loving husband and father of 2 children, Family man of many nieces, nephews, best friend to many, best son in law and brother in law, passed away at the age of 48.
Mike was born on November 26th in Los Angeles, CA to Linda Jo Blackwell and Barry Lynn Trousdale. He was a Navy Seabee who served in Iraq, and continued to load Operating Heavy Equipment and loved driving big trucks, and was always happy, wasn’t ever about the money, just wanted to be out of an office. On June 7th, 1997, he married Heather Riggio. They raised two children, Son Gage and Daughter Frankie.
Mike had a passion for family. He loved big holidays, the better the food the better the holiday He also loved to ride his Harley Davidson every day to work. He loved comradery, though neither of us could ever rarely spell it we often talked about how he loved the comradery of family, friends, military, and the Biker World. Mike also had a passion for the Steelers, and I would often tell him, Babe, write them a stern letter.. they will win. He did not find this amusing. He was a garage guy, music lover, a collector of anything. He was known for his humor and gregariousness, His CARING eyes, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Jo Blackwell. He is survived by his wife Heather, his two children, Gage and Frankie, and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Michael loved to love, loved to be loved, loved to live, and he always lived like he was dying.
There will never be a man easier to talk to;
an easier man to please,
an easier man to admire,
but he’ll be the hardest man to miss.
To you, Mike, you will remain in my heart everyday moving forward. I will celebrate your life and remember you always as the best of the bunch of us. Thank you for all the laughs and good times. Thank you for always being there for me and my kids no matter what, no matter when, without question. Thank you for being my sons best man, best friend and the best Uncle Jake and Dean could ever ask for. You were a wonderful role model and my kids are better men for that.
To you, Heather, I love you so much and have always admired the fact that you were able to find your Prince Charming and be an amazing example of faithfulness and perseverance. Through thick and thin, no matter what the circumstance, you and Mike fought for each other and always won. I’d like to believe a little piece of you and Mike live on in Dean and Natalie and they live by your example.
Michael Trousdale, thank you for being a part of my life. I miss you and can’t wait till we meet again my friend.
Mike was a hero. He was the best man, friend and uncle. He gave great advice, treated friends like family and was the greatest part of many peoples lives.
A celebration of his life will be hosted On Monday.
- Date of celebration: Monday, March 9th
- Time of Viewing our beloved loss: 10am to 12pm
- Family and Close Friends: 10 to 11am
- Everyone else who needs a hug: 11am to 12pm
- Time of Service: 12pm to 2pm
Where is our beloved Michael Trousdale?
- Bunker University Chapel 480.830.4105
- 3529 E University Dr., Mesa AZ 85213
We are friends of Joshuas. We are so sorry for the loss of your brother, father, husband, grandfather, & friend. May your hearts be comforted by God and by your wonderful memories of Mike. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Mike Trousdale!
I worked with Mike at Hauling Az for 4 a little over 4 years we got along almost instantly, we would hangout after work and have a couple drinks talk about life and anything that came to mind. He was like my big brother I had struggles and he was always there never judged me for my stupid decisions just told me to get my shit together and move on be stronger. I was supposed to come back and we would be doing what we used to before I left but it didn’t work out. I wish I would’ve moved back anyway so we can hangout and ride our Harley’s I would’ve been right there with you that Monday afternoon I wish I was. It hurts me to know ill never get a phone call or text from you ever again you always pulled me up when I was down. On the morning of March 5th I woke up thinking about you I got on my Harley and rode like a mad man going over 105 mph to work on the way home I crashed my bike and the worst thing that happened was a fractured foot when that happened I knew that was you telling me to get my shit together made me chuckle a bit lol. Ill never forget you, you were truly my role model and I will remember everything you told me so I wont fall down again and you will live on through me. I will be kind and help others whenever they need it because thats what you would do. I wish I could be there on the 9th and say goodbye but its not goodbye, ill see you later brother I know you’re watching.
When I had my L.A. church wedding to Cleveland Brown with Heather’s brother Nick being the best man, I had no idea what kind of a large, yet tight circle of people I had married into. At first, I had a hard time figuring out who was family and who were friends. Eventually, I gave up, because in the inner circles, everyone acted like a brother or sister. Blood line didn’t matter at all.
Brought back as a “souvenir” from Cleveland’s military service overseas in Germany, I, as a wife newly brought into this tight brother/sisterhood, had to prove myself to the circle. This was not easy. But then there were people like Mike, an UTTER GENTLEMAN with a very kind soul, who never thought twice about treating me with dignity, respect… an all that with consummate ease. While I was still (understandably) being vetted by some, Mike made sure I was feeling as welcome as anyone else in the circle. That impressed me!
Fast forward many more years than I wish to count, I woke up on Tuesday next to my husband Cleveland, who was in complete shock… stone faced, speechless… (words to describe his condition are eluding me). Listening to the unfolding news on ABC, etc., I found myself unable to concentrate on my contract work. Heart crushing!
Knowing how close Cleve was growing up with Nick, Heather, and Mike, I am glad that you and other close people are re-united right now (March 7, 2020) under very difficult circumstances. While words about this terrible tragedy are eluding me badly, please accept my deepest sympathy and compassion Sincerely, Annett