Donald "Mike" Eittreim passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2024 at the age of 67, in Lompoc, CA.

Mike was born December 20th, 1956, in Anchorage, Alaska to Donald and Kathy. During his younger years he loved spending time with his grandparents in Gualala, California.

Throughout his life he always wanted a family of his own and he got just that. Together with his first wife, Bonnie, he raised four boys: Todd, Kalen, Kyle, and Kade. They took many camping trips to San Antonio Lake, where fishing was a must and making plates of leftovers for the wild pigs was a nightly festivity.  They spent many summers at the family cabin in Gualala, catching crawdads at the river and playing in the woods.

Mike was often called the "Greatest Boss" by many of his employees at Williams Brothers and Vons during his time as manager there.  His leadership and personality created a work environment where it felt like home.  His strong work ethic was demonstrated through his willingness to do what was needed to get the job done, and he wouldn't ask any employee to do a task he himself wouldn't do.  He retired from Vons after 35 years and took this work ethic out to Jalama to carry on the Eittreim name.  During his time at Jalama he not only set records but was able to grow the family business to heights that haven't been touched since. He created a two-time award-winning clam chowder that will carry on his legacy forever.

Mike loved to fish, ride his bike and had an eye for photography that was unmatched.   When fishing, he knew the lakes and oceans as if he was one with them. He would always patiently set up his boys' poles first, knowing that later on that day he would still catch the biggest fish.  His bike rides weren't for the faint of heart, riding around 75 miles a week in his cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirt.  Many tried to keep up but couldn't; once he even outrode someone with an electric bike. His photography will live on in all of his boys' homes as the years go on.  From wildlife to the ocean waves crashing, he knew what to look for to get the perfect shot.

Mike loved the Lakers, from the Showtime Magic Era to Shaq & Kobe to Lebron & AD.  Nothing could beat a Laker game with an ice cold Bud.

He also loved to cook. From 20 pound lasagnas and trays of enchiladas, to cinnamon rolls and pretzels, Mike always pushed the limit and made enough to feed an army. He loved trying new things.  He was known for baking each family member a special cake of their choosing for their birthday each year. He would also put his new items to the test so his fiancé, Patty Ernberg, could try them.  His freezer was always packed with an assortment of ice cream. He especially liked Drumsticks and Moose Tracks.

Mike survived a horrific bike accident in 2021 that nearly ended his life.  He fought hard to stay alive and was able to watch his grandson Connor excel in sports, while meeting his newest grandchildren: Ayla, Adalynn, and Ocean. During this time, one thing never wavered: the love he had for his boys and his family.

Often times in sports there is a debate on who the GOAT is.  In basketball, is it Jordan, Kobe or Lebron?  In football, is it Montana or Brady?  In baseball, is it Ruth or Aaron?  When it comes to the question of who the GOAT dad was, there is no debate.

We will all cherish every minute we were blessed to share with you, and learned about love like only Heaven knows because of you. First Corinthians 13:13: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Though we can no longer talk, we can still hear you; we can never touch but we can still feel you. You have embedded in our hearts your purpose and your love.

He was preceded in death by his sister Melissa and mother Kathleen. He is survived by his fiancé, Patty; ex-wife Bonnie; sons Todd (Elizabeth), Kalen (Anna), Kyle, and Kade (Ashley); grandchildren Connor, Ayla, Adalynn, and Ocean; father Donald; siblings Steve, Linda, and Rachelle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His family finds solace in knowing Mike is likely playing Scrabble, enjoying pecan pie and watching Kobe hit game winners in Heaven.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1-3pm at the Lompoc Elks.  We ask if possible to wear your Lakers gear or a Hawaiian shirt in his honor.

In lieu of flowers please make any donations in his memory to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.