Michael G. McClintock

1961-2001

Mike and all of his siblings were born in Denver CO. He started skiing at a young age and his love of nature and sports would inspire him his entire life. The family moved to Santa Barbara when Mike was 7, where he soon discovered surfing. Surfing and the ocean would become lifelong passions. Mike attended Montecito Union School, Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School before going on to UC Berkeley (Cal). He graduated from Cal in 1985. 

Mike’s years at Cal would prove to be formative ones - in all areas of his life. He pursued both fine art, with a particular appreciation of Richard Diebenkorn’s work, and business. He played rugby, eventually playing for the US Junior Eagles traveling team. He made good friends at the Beta House and bought his first business with a fraternity brother, S&M Delivery, a bread delivery company with the enviable tag line “You can’t beat our loaves!”

During a gap year from Cal, Mike helped an acquaintance rebuild a Volkswagen Bug, in which they planned to explore the west coast of Mexico. But after less than two weeks on the road the acquaintance got homesick and went back to California leaving Mike, and all his gear in Sayulita, Mexico. That trip provided ample opportunity to learn about the Mexican public transit system and even a brief flirtation with the movies, when Mike was filmed surfing at Puerto Escondido. 

After graduation, Mike jump-started his professional career and began his family. He purchased Hayward Eggs and then founded Golden Bear Produce, eventually earning a spot in the vast Oakland Produce Market, providing high-end produce to stores and restaurants in the Bay Area.

Mike and his wife Missy had three beautiful daughters, who started their lives in the East Bay, before moving to Santa Barbara where they could be closer to extended family. While in Santa Barbara, Mike refocused on his art. 1999-2001 was one of Mike’s most prolific periods, before he was tragically killed by a drunk driver.

Biography written by Liz McClintock, Mike’s sister.