Michael Stenson

Michael Stenson passed on to his new adventure on June 24, 2025, surrounded by his family at home in Arroyo Grande, Ca.

Mike was born August 1944 in Santa Barbara to Mickey and Betty Stenson. He shared mischief and adventures with older brothers Terry and Tim and younger sisters Patsy and Betty Jean on the Westside of Santa Barbara. Dolores Grammar School and Bishop Garcia Diego were their stomping grounds.

In 1966 Mike married Laurie Stenson and that union resulted in three children-Terry, Andy and Wendy. Years later these three wonderful children blessed him with five grandkids-Chelsea, Clayton, Cooper, Ben and Grace. Mike thought the sun rose and set on his people. Better known as “Buddy” to his grandchildren, Mike had a rare ability to see the world a little differently, whether it was inventing a new gadget, turning chores into treasure hunts or offering off beat wisdom that somehow always rang true. His creativity, humor and curious spirit will forever echo through his family.

Mike’s life work was in the petroleum industry. He owned service stations, repaired them and built them. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career and then plenty of time carved out for retirement.

Mike is survived by his wife Laurie, his son Andy (Chrissy) his daughter Wendy (Jesse) and his grandchildren Chelsea Stenson, Ben and Grace Stenson, Clayton and Cooper Martinez, his brother Tim and sister Betty Jean.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be scheduled for late summer. In lieu of flowers, Mike would prefer you support the next generation of athletes. One of his great joys was watching his kids and grandkids participating in high school sports.

AGHS High School
Eagle Athletics Foundation
495 Valley Road
Arroyo Grande, Ca. 93420