Michael Dennis Gillespie

Michael Dennis Gillespie was born on May 1, 1954, in Yuba City, CA, and passed away on April 12, 2025, in Marysville, CA.

A lifelong resident of this area, he grew up in the towns of Yuba City, CA, and Biggs, CA, graduating from Biggs High School in 1972, and then California State University, Chico, CA, in 1979, with a bachelor's degree in business. He was the eldest child to three sisters. 

Before college graduation, Mike worked at the Radio Shack on Bridge Street in Yuba City, CA. Michael later joined Sweco Products in Sutter, California, where he took great pride in delivering exceptional customer service, designing agricultural machinery for specific needs of his clients. 

The only instance of a non-agricultural project was probably when Mike had the opportunity to design the hydraulic cylinder lifts used for the torch lighting ceremony at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, CA.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Michael grew up riding dirt bikes and eventually competed in speedway racing.

He was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association. His modes of transportation included his pick-up, his Harley, his Buell, and even his bicycle which he rode to work from Yuba City, CA, to Sutter, CA.

Mike also spent many hours playing racquetball at the Kangaroo Courts/Body Express and took part in many tournaments. 

Mike was a passionate Sacramento Kings fan, following the team faithfully through the years with their ups and downs.

He also enjoyed dining, traveling, and volunteering. Michael was a devoted blood donor, making 343 donations, or 24 gallons, during his lifetime, which embodied his generous and caring spirit. 

He was a grateful member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and a regular at their Men's Luncheon group.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Iverson; stepfather, Milton Iverson; first wife, Donna Gillespie; and stepson, Brian Waling.

He is survived by his wife, of 23 years, Bonnie Burrows-Gillespie of Yuba City, CA; his sisters, Cheryl (Charles) Nelson of Yuba City, Kathryn Bristow of Biggs, CA, and Carolyn Iversen (Rob Krampitz) of Biggs; his stepdaughter, Erin Sims (Don) of Yuba City, CA; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a niece; seven nephews; and two grand nieces. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Road, Yuba City, CA 95993. Arrangements are being handled by Ullrey Memorial Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Michael by donating blood to your local blood bank or making a contribution to the Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Closet at St. Andrew Church. Checks may be made payable to St. Andrew with "M.H.C. Mike Gillespie" in the memo.