In Memoriam: Michael Madden Cleary

Michael Madden Cleary – November 28, 1947 – October 16, 2021

Michael Madden Cleary, a long-time resident of Canyon Lake, passed away on Oct. 16, 2021. Michael was born November 28, 1947 in Hollywood, California. He was the second oldest child of Ted and Eleanor Cleary’s seven children.

After spending his childhood years in San Fernando, CA, the family moved to Big Bear Lake where Michael excelled in high school as an athlete and student, earning honors in football, basketball and leadership activities. Always highly regarded for his work ethic, Michael held multiple jobs in his teens as well as helping in the family store.

Following his high school graduation in 1965, he earned an AA degree at Cerritos College. While working in a variety of jobs and serving in the Naval Reserves, Michael attended several colleges and eventually completed his Bachelor of Science at Cal State University Fullerton. He also earned a black belt in Judo and helped coach wrestlers preparing for the Olympic Games.

While back home on a visit, he met his future wife, Kathlyn Couch, at the Sugar Shack, a local teen dance place. That meeting led to a courtship and marriage in 1971 that lasted over 50 years. Michael began working as a salesman and eventually sales manager for True Cast Concrete, contributing greatly to the success of the company over his 38-year career.

He was particularly successful in his personal investments in real estate where he built a successful portfolio in residential and commercial properties. Michael lived a full life with no regrets. He spent many years attending football games at San Diego State where two of his sons played football and at the Rose Bowl, where his third son played for UCLA. He loved fishing, raising doves and traveling, choosing cruising as his favorite mode of transportation.

Although he was a success in business, his passion and focus was always his family. Michael would start his work day early so that he could spend time with his four children in the afternoons and evenings. He never missed a sporting event, school activity or special occasion that involved his children.

Family dinners were important moments to listen, teach and impart the values he thought were important for his sons and daughter to thrive and become competent, happy and truly good people.

He volunteered and was a highly successful youth football, basketball and baseball coach. His goal was always to teach the basics, build a respectable team, and make every child feel they were an important member of the group. It wasn’t just about the sport; it was also about sportsmanship. It was important to celebrate winning or accept losing gracefully. In later years, he joined his son, Mac, volunteering as a track coach at King High School in Riverside.

Michael embodied the American Dream. He worked hard and taught his children to do the same. Michael was proud to be an American and instilled a love of God, country and the importance of sacrifice for and love of family in his children.

Being a father was a sacred obligation and a true labor of love. He was so very proud of his four incredible children and their families, all of whom live in Canyon Lake. Their personal and professional accomplishments as well as their kindness and love brought him his greatest joy.

On his 50th wedding anniversary to Kathy, Mike remarked that spending such a wonderful day with his family, exchanging fond memories, and listening to toasts and tributes filled with love and gratitude was one of the best days of his life.

Michael is survived by Kathlyn, his wife of 50 years; his four children and their spouses: Michael (Karla), Daniel (Jennifer), Robert (Sarah), and Michelle Ritter (Nathan); his grandchildren: Julia, Ava, Cal, and Charlotte Cleary, and Lucy and Gemma Ritter; his three brothers: Jack (Lin), Bill (Cindy) and Frank (Pat) Cleary, and three sisters: Carol (Don) Marshall, Christine (Steve) Witowich and Mary Ann (Marty) Hess as well as his many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Murrieta on Dec. 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.