Michael Jaime Castellanos

Michael Jaime Castellanos, age 60, of Atascadero, California, passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2024. Michael was born to Arturo and Suzanne Castellanos on September 11th, 1963, in Santa Barbara, California. He was born of a gentle, humble, and stoic demeanor that family and friends would come to know and love him for. Michael’s youth found him exploring a variety of passions including surfing, skateboarding, playing the drums, and drawing. He was intentional in his approach to these passions, and this was reflected in the grace and style with which he could ride a wave, carve his skateboard, or weave together smooth rhythms on his drumkit. 

In high school, his interests then shifted towards cars. He particularly loved working with 4x4s, and after graduating from San Marcos High School in 1982, Michael went forth to refine his craft as a mechanic at Arizona Automotive Institute. During his years as a mechanic, Michael also took up scuba diving. Even within his diving community, his abundant creativity was displayed on the t-shirts he would design for their group’s annual abalone diving expedition. 

After nearly a decade of life as a mechanic, Michael moved to Atascadero to Rancho Delgado, the family ranch. Here he began studying agriculture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Clad in his trademark blue denim overalls, Mike worked the land, tending to livestock, flocks of chickens, horses, and helping to build a large scale chile pepper operation to provide high quality produce for his families Mexican Eateries. 

Many would associate Mike with the care and bonds he shared with animals. He always showed them deep respect and love. Even when he was hunting deer or slaughtering a cow, he would ensure the animal was comfortable and met its end swiftly and ethically. Mike often had dogs, and other stray animals seemed to flock to him knowing he would provide a loving sanctuary. It wasn’t unusual to find Michael in the living room with a few cats or dogs gathered around him, a cage of chirping baby chicks, and even holding a chicken on his lap, allowing his only free hand to sip his coffee. 

Outside of his farming and caretaking duties, Michael was always expanding his skills and passions. One such passion was seen in how he could beautifully weave together video edits. Mike crafted several priceless compilations of family events. Everything from his nieces and nephews making silly home movies, to the poignant ode to his parents 50th wedding anniversary. Mike’s ability to capture and bottle up these beautiful memories spoke to the loving eyes with which he saw the world.

His outdoor cooking talents were something of legend. Mike even at one point attended and graduated from the Kent Rollins Chuck Wagon cooking school to further expand his craft. Thanksgiving saw turkeys buried and cooked in the ground, yielding some of the juiciest birds one could imagine. Dutch oven apple pies would usually follow for dessert. Cozy breakfasts underneath his big canvas tent, with crisp home fries, fluffy scrambled eggs, crunchy bacon, and strong cowboy coffee to wash it all down were a regular treat with Mike. 

Michael will be remembered for his creativity, attention to detail, gentle soul, and inquisitive spirit. He was a renaissance man in the truest sense, his curiosity and tenacity always expanding his many skills and passions. Michael was so truly kind. He showed all living beings care and intention. Michael was a humble, patient, and loving person who never judged, and welcomed all as family. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed enough to know him.

He is survived by his father Arturo Castellanos, mother Suzanne Castellanos, siblings Arturo Castellanos Jr., Christina Borgatello, Fernando Castellanos, and Mark Castellanos, as well as nieces Amanda Castellanos, Christina Welch, and Lucy Castellanos, and nephews Eric Castellanos, Osiris Castellanos, Alvaro Cifuentes, Matthias Cifuentes, and Anthony Castellanos.

Services will include a Rosary on March 19th at 6:30 pm, followed by the funeral on March 20th at 10:30 am at San Roque Catholic Parish, 325 Argonne Circle, Santa Barbara, CA.