Michael David Gilson, born in Santa Barbara, California to Joyce and Norton "Red" Gilson, was the eldest of four children. He spent his youth in both California and Nevada before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Mike became the proud father of two children, Jennifer and Joshua, before his divorce. The children remained in his custody and he took pride in ensuring their stability and well-being. He also cherished his time as a Cub Scout leader. 

Before the development of an inoperable tumor that became entwined in his spine and limited his mobility, Mike was a lover of all types of sports including the diving and baseball teams in high school, and softball and golf throughout adulthood. 

A fiercely independent man, Mike enjoyed his solitude and found peace in the simple pleasures of life: tending to his cannabis plants, fishing, and loving his animals. He lived simply, with just three boxes of possessions always within arm's reach of his favorite chair. It was heartwarming to discover that despite his complicated living situation, two of those boxes were filled to the brim with pictures and cards from his children.

Mike's sudden passing came as a shock, but even more surprising were the letters he had saved for his children to find. While he took many secrets to the grave, he still managed to share his most intimate thoughts with his children after he was gone.

Not everyone gets to tell their parent they’re a hero, but his children had the opportunity to express their admiration and acknowledge the sacrifices he made to provide them with opportunities he could only dream of for himself. Though he was stoic, Mike never failed to tell his children that he loved them and always said that they were his greatest accomplishment.

Mike is survived by his children, Joshua Gilson and Jennifer Barajas, and his three siblings, Dennis Gilson, Debi McCluskey, and Lisa Cunningham.