Michael Joseph McMahan

Michael Joseph McMahan   Michael Joseph McMahan passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at the age of 75 in Santa Barbara, California. Born on May 1, 1950, in Los Angeles, Michael lived in several beautiful parts of California throughout his life, including Santa Barbara and Mammoth Lakes. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Josephine McMahan; his sister, Christine Conter; nephew, Joseph Conter; and his beloved wife, Debra McMahan. He is survived by his sons, Tristan and James McMahan; his brother, Tom McMahan; sister, Karen Farrer; and dear friend Patricia Garrett. Michael was educated at St. Francis X. Cabrini and St. John the Evangelist schools, Serra High School, Los Angeles City College, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and the Professional Culinary Institute. He was a proud U.S. Marine, stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and later in Okinawa, Japan, where he trained as an air traffic controller. After his honorable discharge, he settled in San Diego with Debra, where they welcomed their first son, Tristan. A skilled finish carpenter, Michael worked for years as the on-site carpenter at The Aerospace Corporation. In 1984, the family moved to Venice, CA, where their second son, James, was later born. There, he became deeply involved with Hope Chapel of Venice, where he wrote and performed devotional music. Michael later trained as an X-ray technician and operated a dental radiology lab in Westchester while raising his sons. In 1999 the family moved to Santa Barbara, where he commuted for work until his retirement. After retiring, he became certified as a sommelier, combining his refined taste with a love for craftsmanship and detail. He loved the outdoors and the Sierras, particularly Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding areas and especially Yosemite, where he spent his honeymoon and visited many times over his lifetime. Toulumne Meadows was one of the parts of the park he treasured most and hiked and explored extensively. He had a deep appreciation for California’s coastline, enjoyed sailing, surfing, skiing, and had a particular fondness for Catalina Island. Michael had an uncanny sense of direction and was known for giving remarkably accurate and detailed instructions, sometimes to places he had only visited once. Known for his sharp wit and strong moral compass, Michael lived by the principle of doing what’s right—even when no one was watching. He often said, “Common sense isn’t all that common,” and lived with the kind of clarity and purpose that made that phrase feel timeless. He was meticulous, artistic, punctual, disciplined and dependable. He took great care of the things and people in his life, always leaving things better than he found them. He will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty, his generosity, his artistry, and his unwavering integrity. A memorial service will be held in August, date and venue to be announced. Further information is available through McDermott-Crockett Mortuary. Rest in peace, Mike. Semper Fi.