Dennis Michael Spiker

Dennis Michael Spiker, 74, of Claremont, California, passed away August 27, 2021, his beloved wife, Sandra, by his side. Dennis, nickname Mickey, was born in Chico, California on January 25, 1947. He graduated from Chico Senior High School in 1964. Mickey served as a US Navy Seabee on team 7406 in the Vietnam War. He studied and majored in Psychology at Chico State and California State University Los Angeles. He retired from Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power.
Mickey was happiest when spending time with his family and friends. He was a gifted and prolific writer mostly of fiction as well as poetry, often writing poems for loved ones. He greatly enjoyed his years with the Claremont Forum Writers' Workshop and completed a novel. He was also a gifted photographer and creative painter, sharing his art with family and friends. He was active in his community, especially fond of helping with the Constantine Family Garden and Orchard, and he enjoyed bicycling with The Claremont Senior Bike Group. He was a coffee connoisseur, roasting his own beans and frequenting coffeehouses and cafes with friends and family. He enjoyed family traditions as well as creating his own, such as planting trees with his son in his front yard and years later planting a Fern Pine with his grandson in his backyard. He and Sandra travelled to several countries and enjoyed cruises, always wanting loved ones to join them. Among their travels they made it their top priority to visit their children and grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren. Mickey loved encouraging art and writing to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a gift, an ability, of sharing and exchanging interests, life experiences, art, knowledge, skills, and philosophies which exemplifies his generous and loving spirit and this continues to be an inspiration to us all who love him, and will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Mickey is survived by his loving wife of 44 years and over 50 years in love, Sandra Spiker, and his children Michelle May (Karl), Lance Spiker (Jennifer), Jennifer Buie (Joseph), Denise Buie Mann, and grandchildren Lindsey Rentas (Sean), Ashley Ponton (Josh), Sarah Posey (Matt), Duncan May, Alaina May, Justin Wagoner (Regita), and great-grandchildren, Kinley and Jude Ponton, and his two brothers-in-law Edwin Carrero (Sheny) and Franklin Carrero (Lisa), and a host of beloved nieces and nephews and cousins. Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lillian Spiker, and his brother Donald Spiker and his sister Jeanne Lawrence.
A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM, September 23, 2021 at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a cancer research or treatment organization of your choice.