Michael Gregory Christeen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Gregory Christeen, born November 21, 1987, who passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 36. Michael was a loving son, brother, and friend, and his loss leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Michael graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 2006 and attended Allan Hancock College, where he honed his talent for ceramics, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Michael owned many styles of cameras and had a deep love for photography. His unique photographs demonstrated his exceptional way of seeing and experiencing the world around him. He was an incredibly artistic and gifted individual, with a distinct ability to find and to create beauty. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Michael had a great love for cooking, working at many local restaurants, and most notably, creating pizzas that he joyfully shared with the people he loved.

Michael’s love for nature took him on many walks along The Bob Jones Trail and Shell Beach Trail, where he found peace and inspiration in the world around him. His adventurous spirit led him to attend Burning Man year after year, where he found both freedom and community on The Playa. He cherished these experiences and the friends he made there each year.

Known for his kindness, infectious humor, and intelligence, Michael had a goofy and warm-hearted personality. He loved making others smile and often carried a pocket of coins and trinkets to give to a stranger and share some joy. He collected unique coins of many varieties and loved sharing them with his five nephews. Michael loved hard and knew the value of a good bear hug. His taste in music and films was vast, ranging from the classics to indie films and everything in between. He loved to share photos of where he had been, movies he enjoyed, and music he thought others would love.

Michael was an out of the box thinker, often dreaming of the day time travel is a reality. He was intrigued by physics and space travel – often theorizing about one day mankind expanding to live in outer space. Maybe more than the science itself, Michael loved the beauty captured in photographs of the stars and planets. He said looking at earth from space reminded him not to sweat the small stuff.

Beyond all else, Michael believed in the importance of simplicity and the power of love. He led a simple life and his most valued possessions were sentimental to him from the experiences he lived and not their material value. He leaves behind a legacy of love, of going out of your way to help, of small gestures to bring a smile, and of believing in good will and community.

Michael is survived by his parents, Faith Christeen, Stan Cox, and TJ Strathman, as well as his sisters Amanda Jacobson (née Cox) and Rhianna Wann (née Cox). In addition to his family, Michael is survived by many friends including some who had known him for most of his life and will deeply miss him. A small, intimate family service was held on November 13th to scatter Michael’s ashes at sea, honoring his love for nature and the ocean. A celebration of life for friends and loved ones will take place in the spring – details to be announced.

Michael always refused to say goodbye and instead chose to end every meeting saying “talk to you in the future.” Now, upon his passing, we all wish that just one more time, we could talk to him in the future. He will be missed deeply and his memory will forever be carried on by those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly asks you to consider making a donation in Michael’s honor to Transitions- Mental Health Association, an organization that was able to provide resources and support to Michael helping him find peace and stability. Donations can be made through this link: In Loving Memory of Michael Christeen.

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