Michael (Mike / Mac) Franklin McDermit, 74, of Ojai, California, passed away on August 21, 2021. Mike was born in 1947 in Oklahoma City to Richard and Wanda McDermit. Mike grew up in Colorado and California, completed college and obtained his teaching credential, and became a high school teacher. He taught for decades, retired early, and continued working for some years teaching at a local school program for suspended students. Mike was always up for a debate about politics or religion, and greatly enjoyed reading, cooking, and spending time with friends. He was also an accomplished gardener. Mike always remembered his grandchildren’s birthdays and sent cards stuffed with two-dollar bills to his daughter. Mike died peacefully at home of natural causes, with a view of his thriving garden.
Mike is survived by his daughter Erin (Steven); grandchildren Devon, Alexa, Trent, and Reed; brother Matthew (Jill) and nephews Evan and Ben; sister Linda (James) and nieces Jill, Joy, and Jennifer; and his dear friends Andy Hass, Loise Hass, and Bob Reeves. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joseph. Mike’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Andy and Bob and Mike’s other Ojai friends, and the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital doctors who saved his heart, giving him another decade of life, love, and gardening. Arrangements are under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.