Michael Garside Hiehle Obituary

Michael Garside Hiehle, 81, of La Palma, California, died on April 4, 2026, in Brea after a long illness.

He was born on March 13, 1945, in Syracuse, New York, though his family noted that he was actually born in Canada and taken to a hospital so he could receive a U.S. birth certificate.

As a boy, Mike spent his early years in Los Angeles, California, living with his grandparents from about 1948 to 1957. He later lived in Culver City during the 1960s, building a life marked by education, hard work, and steady roots in Southern California. He graduated from Culver City High School in 1963.

After graduating from High School, Mike spent 2 years at Long Beach State and then transferred to the college of his dreams, USC. In 1968, Mike graduated from the University of Southern California. He then went to Pepperdine University for 2 years where he completed his elementary and middle school teaching credentials. He went onto work as a middle school history teacher in Bell Gardens and Cerritos and later became a very successful Real Estate Broker in Orange County. As a result, he and his wife Barbara purchased several properties throughout their 50 years of marriage.

On December 27, 1975, Mike married Barbara Ann Scanlan in Las Vegas, Nevada, and together they raised their son, Darren Michael Hiehle who is 39 years old today.

Mike and Barbara made their home in La Palma for over 50 years, beginning around 1976. They traveled the world together, visiting 6 continents, 80 countries and all 50 states. On December 27, 2025, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara; son Darren, daughter-in-law, Sarah Hiehle; and his granddaughter, Cecilia Rose, sister, Patricia Burnett, sister, Sonia Gonzales, sister-in-law, Sharon Scanlan and Brother in laws, Steve Scanlan and Terry Burnett, and, as well, many other family members and lifelong friends who will all miss him dearly.

Mike is remembered for a life shaped by family, education, sports, classic cars, travel, hard work, and perseverance, and for the legacy he leaves behind in the lives of those who loved him.