Michael Jay Maple

Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on March 17, 1951, Mike grew up as one of five siblings in Wayne, Michigan, where he graduated from Wayne Memorial High School. He was the proud father of three daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Mike was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1976. Upon returning from the Pacific Rim, he relocated to California, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

He spent over 40 years as a sales representative for a range of beverage distributors in San Diego County, and was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and reliability.

Mike was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who rode Harley Davidson bikes and rocked Harley Davidson gear. In the last few years, he rode a Honda Gold Wing while working on Harleys in his garage. He attended the annual ride in Sturgis for many years, and passed his excitement for riding bikes along to his grandsons who called him Grandpa Motorcycle when they were young.

Mike was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim. He is survived by his daughters, Dawn Keate (Brian) and Lindsay Maple (Jason); his five grandchildren: Brandon (Sarah), Kayli (Zack), Logan (Sydney), Lyla, and Tobias; his three great-granddaughters: Porter, Olive, and Sutton; and his siblings, Deb and Jeff.

Mike will be remembered for his jocular sense of humor and his deep voice. His family often joked that his bark was worse than his bite. He loved music—both of his daughters recall many times of their dad singing loudly along to his favorite bands (often in his old Ford truck, lovingly known as Black Beauty).

Friends and family are invited to Mike’s Memorial Service at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California 92054, on October 23, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.