Michael Tyner Alsbury
March 19, 1975 to October 31, 2014
Mike Alsbury, 39, of Tehachapi, Calif., passed away last Friday, Oct. 31, 2014. He died in the crash of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo near the Mojave airport.
Mike was born to Linda and Rich Alsbury on March 19, 1975 in Santa Clara.
He grew up in Scotts Valley and graduated as a valedictorian from Soquel High School in 1993.
Mike went on to obtain a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In college, he met the love of his life, Michelle Saling. They moved to Tehachapi in 2000, and were married in August 2003.
Mike’s love of planes and flying began in childhood. He got his pilot’s license at the age of 23, followed by numerous other pilot ratings.
Mike was a “pilot’s pilot” and absolutely loved to fly. He was a brilliant engineer and started working at Scaled Composites right out of college in 1998. Mike was indeed a class act and well-respected colleague.
Mike was an avid fly fisherman and San Francisco Giants fan. He enjoyed hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, and traveling with his family. He was an Eagle Scout and also played soccer from a young age.
Above all things, Mike loved his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and son. He was a kid at heart and will be remembered for his endless energy, easy smile, great sense of humor, and generosity.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; and their daughter and son (ages 10 and 7); parents, Rich and Linda; twin sister, Nikki; her husband and their children; his grandparents; sister-in-law, Melanie; her husband and their children; and parents-in-law, Denise and Fred.
His amazing and wonderful spirit will be celebrated at a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mike Alsbury Memorial Fund at www.gofundme.com/mikealsbury.
Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. was entrusted with his care. For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.
