Michael Lee McClelland

Michael (Mike) Lee McClelland passed away on July 31, 2025, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was born in Urbana, IL to Orville and Karen McClelland. The McClellands lived in Texas and Southern California before settling in Sunnyvale where Mike attended Sunnyvale High School.

As a young man Mike struggled with addiction but pulled himself out of it. Mike was very proud to tell you he had been 30 plus years sober.

He attended Gavilan College and received two certificates, one in General Airframe Maintenance Technology and the other in Powerplant Maintenance Technology. After graduation he got his first and only mechanic job with Frank Mason at Squadron 2. When Frank was ready to retire Mike took over Squadron 2 Flying Club and started McClelland Aviation.

In December of 2009 Mike stumbled upon an opportunity to fix a plane that did aerial imaging. This turned into an opportunity of a lifetime. He started Aperture Aviation. This company consisted of managing a fleet of airplanes that did aerial photography across the country. With the help of a fabulous staff this company was very successful until March of 2025 when other technology took over.

Mike met the love of his life Laurie at a dinner/blind date with friends in 1999. They married in 2001 in Laurie’s hometown Ten Sleep, WY. They purchased a small farm just outside of town shortly after they married. “The Farm” is his happy place. The land is farmed and they built a beautiful home there. He loved Ten Sleep almost as much as Laurie. He formed many friendships and was a regular at the local breakfast spot. He loved Laurie’s family and fortunately her BFF Jean. Being part of a small town community was a new experience for him. He soon learned your family grows considerably.

Mike enjoyed snowmobiling and riding ATVs while in Ten Sleep. He loved doing projects on “The Farm” and watching it transform into a beautiful place to spend time. He was also a member of the Ten Sleep Lions Club. Traveling with Laurie was also a favorite activity. Spending time with family and friends was also important to him. He spent most Sundays visiting his brother Bryan. He also had a passion for loud fast cars! His favorite thing was WORK, WORK, WORK. He loved his job and the people he worked with.

As many of you know Mike had a rough exterior but was a marshmallow on the inside. His employees and closest friends would tell you if he wasn’t yelling at you or giving orders he didn’t like you. A long time friend sent a message: “I always thought Mike had the best moral compass of anyone I knew and perhaps the best appetite of anyone I ever had lunch with.”

He had a knack for giving sound advice and mentored many nephews throughout the years. Due to his experience and struggles along the way he was able to give sound advice.

Along with Laurie came Grant Simon. Laurie was his nanny for many years. Mike loved watching Grant go through all the changes in life. Some easier than others. Mike was so very proud of the young man Grant has become and loved him as a son.

Mike is the best thing that ever happened to Laurie. It was obvious to everyone how much he loved her. She is thankful for every minute good and bad they spent together. He will be missed by many.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Laurie, Grant Simon, mother Karen McClelland, mother-in-law Sonja Smith, sister Pat McClelland, sister-in-laws Melanie (Dean), Jodie (Jason), Jean (Gary), and Barb, uncle David Keuhl, nephews in no particular order Doug, Beau, Jarrett, Kyle, Nate, Tanner, Noah, Nathaniel, Elijah, Nehemiah, great-nephew Sutter, and nieces Mandy and Etta.

Mike is proceeded in death by his father Orville McClelland, father-in-law Doug Smith, brother Bryan McClelland, nephew Dylan Crossland, and his precious dog Molly.

Laurie would like to thank their many friends and family members who have shared their journey and helped and supported them along the way. Life would have been boring without you.

A special shout out once again in no particular order. Jean, Grant, Ken, Stephanie, Becky, Ed, Jeff, Terry, Ed, Julia, Teri, Barb, Andrea and Balaji.

A memorial service will be held at:

Aperture Aviation/Discovery Hangar

Reid Hillview Airport

2500 C Robert Fowler Way

San Jose, CA 95148

August 16, 2025 at 11:00am

There will be a memorial service in Ten Sleep, WY

The date and time are to be determined.