Michael Nelson Rose
Mike was born in San Jose, California to Delwynne and Harry Rose, where he grew up alongside his beloved, older sister Terrie. He graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1977, and later moved to Susanville, California where he raised his family and drilled, filled, and billed his way into the hearts of his community. Mike emphasized the family in his family practice where he cared for generations of smiles over his nearly 50-year career.
There never was a weekend or holiday that passed without a “quick trip to the office” to help relieve a toothache and free someone from pain. He regularly traded dental work for goods and services, so community members could get the care they needed when they couldn’t pay. Two of his daughters would be inspired by this less than conventional approach and become public health dentists themselves (albeit with less wild game and old tractors involved). His commitment to loving the land and looking out for his neighbors was passed down to his children, who feel lucky to have grown up wild and free; with lots of love and family adventures. He taught them to never take life too seriously and to always enjoy the journey.
One of his biggest disappointments in life was when two of his daughters got married on the opening weekend of duck season. In addition to hunting, he loved to ski, to entertain, play games and solve puzzles, he coached soccer for many years, and was a wise and generous friend. He was active in Rotary and a member of the Susanville Elks Lodge #1487. He inspired those around him, he showed up, he lifted spirits of those who needed it, and never turned down the opportunity to make you laugh (or at least roll your eyes).
Mike leaves a large Hawaiian shirt-shaped hole in the hearts of those who loved him, especially his wife Kim, his daughters Chelsea, Eryn, and Savannah, his son Nathaniel, and his grandchildren Sophia, Scarlett, and Oliver. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepson Justin.
In lieu of flowers, please tell someone a story you’ve already told them before.
Tell it with the same enthusiasm as the first time (but maybe louder?). Mike would have
wanted that.
