CHP Officer Mike Stickles: “a handshake, a smile, and a witty remark for everyone he met”

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michael sticklesMichael Kemp Stickels born on May 2, 1942 in Shively, California passed away in San Andreas, California on May 23, 2017 at the age of 75. Mike born to Henry Woodrow Stickels and Marion Kemp Stickels, lived in Shively until the 1955 flood and then the family relocated to Scotia, California where he attended local schools.

Mike graduated from Fortuna High School in 1960 and worked for Pacific Lumber on a survey crew and also in the mill.  Soon after, Mike went to work for a construction company and worked on the Auburn Dam.

Around this time, he married his first wife, Julia and had a son, Michael.  Mike then served in the National Guard and subsequently joined the California Highway Patrol in May of 1966.

He spent a long illustrious career with the CHP, first serving in San Francisco for two years and then moving to the Leggett Resident post in 1969.

Mike met his wife, LindaTredway, soon after and the two married in 1971 and had two sons, Matt and Monty.  Not long after, Mike was assigned to the Garberville CHP office (1973) and spent the remainder of his career there.  He retired in 1996 with over 30 years as a CHP officer.

After retirement, Mike moved to Valley Springs, California and lived in the area until his passing. Mike enjoyed hunting, working in the yard, and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving Papa, father, and friend by many. He was the kind of man who always had a handshake, a smile, and a witty remark for everyone he met.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Woodrow and Marion Kemp Stickels, his sister Lee Anna Maidesil, and special family friend, Evelyn Hartman.  He is survived by his wife, Linda Stickels and his sons, Michael Stickels, Matthew Stickels,and Monty Stickels.  He is also survived by his daughter in law, Laura Stickels (Monty) and his beloved grandchildren, Lauren (Stickels) Ammer and husband, Trent; Rebecca and Rachel Stickels; and Michael and Max Stickels. He is also survived by his brother Dan Stickels and his wife, Elizabeth and various nieces and nephews; Jimmy and Erika Youngblood and their daughters: Nika Tafoya and her children,  and Mikie Maidesil and her children. Additionally, he is survived by special family friends, Bonnie Stickels and Patty Ely and her sons.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the River Lodge Conference Center in Fortuna from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made in Mike’s name to the CHP 11-99 fund at https://chp11-99.org or mailed to the CHP 11-99 Foundation, 2244 N. State College Boulevard, Fullerton, Ca 92831.

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19 Comments
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JacLyn
Guest
JacLyn
6 years ago

R.I.P. Mike. He was the perfect CHP for SoHum at the time, fair and friendly. He pulled my husband over – no ticket, just a smile and a warning. Same when he pulled me over. Good stories.

MOGTX
Guest
6 years ago

The best CHP officer I ever known and he is just like the lady above said a perfect CHP for the time he’s helped me out several times and I want you to RIP in peace CHP OFFICER STICKELES. he w orked along with subearha i think thats how u spell it .subearha bad cop stickes good cop.you were the last of your kind .

Angie
Guest
Angie
6 years ago
Reply to  MOGTX

Thank you m.o. but he was not the last of his kind 😊 I could tell you so many stories of another good LEO who retired many years later. The old boys were something else, weren’t they? 💜

Looking deeper
Guest
Looking deeper
6 years ago
Reply to  Angie

Always a good man, treated all with dignity and common decent respect…a good example for all of us to remember. If only the world had more like him. Good for you Mike…hope to see you in the sweet bye and bye.

Janice Wood
Guest
Janice Wood
6 years ago

So sorry to see this. I grew up with Mike, starting in Shively. My condolences to his family. One in a million-one of a kind, always a friend.

Debra Neuhaus
Guest
Debra Neuhaus
6 years ago

Mike attended FUHS with my sister and I remember him as a wonderful man and great CHP Officer-Prayers going out to the family.

matt taylor
Guest
matt taylor
6 years ago

The only officer to ever give me a ticket. and after ask how my parents were with his smile.So how could you be mad at that. On a quiet night in miranda you can still hear him and my dad cheer there boys on to there next victory.sorry for your loss Monty and family.

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
6 years ago

R.I.P Mr.Stickels!!

silverlining
Guest
silverlining
6 years ago

A local legend for certain. He set the standard in civility.

MOGTX
Guest
6 years ago

I wish there were more like him.

Shak
Guest
Shak
6 years ago

A remarkable man. R.I.P. officer, you’ll be sorely missed.

Mike Pogue
Guest
Mike Pogue
6 years ago

He was one of my favorites, he helped me on a few occasions on and off duty. He also was a big supporter of the South Fork Cubs. Rest in peace Mike 🙁

Teena Bogdanoff
Guest
Teena Bogdanoff
6 years ago

Rest in peace sweet Mike. A wonderful man and family friend.
Sending love and prayers to all.

Bill
Guest
6 years ago

When my backhoe broke down in the middle of Richardson’s Grove [ next to Big Foot] He pushed me and my 11,000 pound backhoe all the way to the gas station with his police car. I thought his air bag would go off.

judi gonzales
Guest
judi gonzales
6 years ago

What a wonderful man. I will always remember all the fun I shared with the whole Stickels family….Mike was always funny and whitty….Always telling jokes and teasing anyone around him. A loving husband, father, grand-father and friend………….RIP Mr. Stickels…I’m sure we will meet in heaven….

Donald C. Dunlap (CHP#3747)
Guest
Donald C. Dunlap (CHP#3747)
6 years ago

Mike, I worked with you both as an Officer and a Sergeant. I really enjoyed the time that we had together. I wish your family the very best it their time of loss.

Win Benbow
Guest
Win Benbow
6 years ago

Mike, we will all miss you. You were the best representative the CHP could have had in Humboldt County; an officer and always a gentleman. To have known you, will remain an honor.

Sheri (Lauenroth) Knight
Guest
Sheri (Lauenroth) Knight
6 years ago

RIP uncle Mike. He pulled my husband n I over on our way up north, as soon as he saw it was us we sat n chatted on the side of the road for at least a half hour or more! Condolences to all!

Jamey Newland
Guest
Jamey Newland
6 years ago

I am sure sorry to hear about this. I spent a lot of time at the Stickles house as a kid. I was always treated like I belonged there. I never forgot about that. I will miss you Mike.