Michael Mclean Smalley

Square Dance and RV Communities Lose a Friend

Longtime Jojoba Hills SKP Resort resident Michael McLean Smalley, an avid square dancer, musician, RV enthusiast, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, died September 11, 2014, at age 78. He was active in his resident RV park until the last few weeks of his life, traveling, visiting with friends, and jamming with fellow musicians.

Mike was born in Los Angeles, CA on July 16, 1936 growing up in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles during his childhood years. Part of his high-school experience included time spent at the renowned Verde Valley School in Sedona, AZ. After pursuing college credits in Los Angeles, Mike entered the Army in 1956 at the age of 20.

Stationed in Fort Hood, TX, Mike met Nora H. Muse, the beautiful and charming, Texas girl who would become his wife of more than 56 years. Married on November 9, 1957, Mike and Nora moved to California after Mike finished his service in the Army. Mike took on Sales as a vocation, spending 24 of his working years in the wholesale Tire and Rubber industry.

The young couple put down roots in Los Angeles, eventually moving to La Crescenta, CA in 1971. Here they lived for 22 years, raising 2 boys, Stephen and Tom. Mike and Nora wholeheartedly embraced the Square Dancing lifestyle, making lifelong friends in the process and becoming very accomplished dancers. RV'ing was a natural extension to Square Dancing, and Mike and Nora traveled, camped with the family, and square danced for many, many years. Additionally they served the Square Dance community as members and board members of the Sets-In-Step Square Dance club, and Rambling Squares Camping / Square Dance club.

The couple moved from La Crescenta, to Apple Valley, CA in 1993, living there for 7 years while continuing their domestic and international travels. Committing to a full-time RV lifestyle in 2000, they moved to Jojoba Hills SKP Resort in Aguanga, CA, outside of Temecula.

Mike's favorite activities at Jojoba Hills included holiday galas, Bridge games, and weekly jam sessions with friends where Mike was an accomplished harmonica player. In fact, Mike entertained family and friends with his harmonica throughout his entire life.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Nora, sons Stephen Smalley and Tom Smalley, daughter-in-law Bernadine Smalley, and grandsons Michael and Matthew Smalley. A memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA on Saturday, September 20th, 2014, 1:00pm, in the Wee Kirk O' the Heather chapel. All friends and family are welcome. If you wish, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or the charity of your choice.