Santa Cruz's Mike Locatelli Passes Away

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:35 am

While 'just' a standup, Mike was an accomplished Pleasure Point local and an old friend who owned Portola Surf Shop (just up the road from Jon Manss' house) in the late 1970's until he was diagnosed with brain cancer 15 years ago.

What many people don't know is that when Mike contracted cancer he didn't have medical insurance. So Pat O'Neill hired Mike to run the O'Neill retail outlets in Santa Cruz. That way Mike would be covered by the company's insurance. Mike worked unitl 2004, when his health was just too far gone.

Most sincere respect to his wife and 11 year old daughter.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archiv ... 2local.htm

Jon Manss · Post by **Jon Manss** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:01 am

Mike and Portola Surf shop also let a lot of young shapers consign out their new shapes in his shop for a very reasonable deal. He wasn't in for the money as much as being in it for the community. He will be missed in Santa Cruz.

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:02 am

The service for Mike is today (Satruday) at 11 AM,
Resurrection Catholic Church here in Aptos.

Paddel Out at 11AM tomorrow at Santa Maria's. I beleive it is being put together by the Ride-A-Wave Foundation.

T Hall · Post by **T Hall** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 11:40 am

I'll remember him for selling me my first kneeboard out of Portola surf shop. A 5'4" twin fin Manns with gold flames circa 78.

Jon Manss · Post by **Jon Manss** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 6:59 pm

It was a beautiful service.

gene west · Post by **gene west** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 9:57 pm

SANTA CRUZ CREW-very sorry for your loss......

Caveman · Post by **Caveman** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 8:08 am

I remember...
being in the darkroom at Harbor HIGH with Mike Locatelli, and then jetting down to the Harbor to take pictures in the late 70's, long before he owned Portola Surf Shop. Mike, Nels, Jeffrey, Dave and Randy worked there in the late 70's until Barney, who owned Portola Surf Shop in the 70's, sold it to Mike in '79 I believe.

Damn, I remember Mike and Tommy Huwitt having a food fight in my mom's kitchenl!!

....splattering her wall of photo's.....

He'll never be forgotten...

Karri

"NOT" caveman

Caveman · Post by **Caveman** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 8:33 am

And I remember Mike shredding it at the Harbor...Yehawww....

The Caveman

Caveman · Post by **Caveman** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 8:43 am

Paddel Out at 11AM Today, Sunday at Santa Maria's. I beleive it is being put together by the Ride-A-Wave Foundation.

Rain or Shine.
Oniels is putting up the tent's.

JohnS · Post by **JohnS** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 12:49 pm

MikeS · Post by **MikeS** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:24 pm

I just found out Sat. about Mike. Roger H. left me a message stating Mike had passed and there was a paddle out for him. By the time I retrieved the message,it was too late. I'm sorry I missed it!
Although I barely knew Mike, The guy always gave me a cheerful "hello" and asked how the boyz were around the beaches everytime I walked into O'neills.
He'll be missed by many!!

RW · Post by RW » Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:25 pm

RIP to a class act.

Even down here in the underground we'd heard of Locatelli and his graciousness. Those of us old enough to know share your loss.

Every surf enclave has it's Jack O'Neil....treasure these icons....'cause the mold broke long ago and we'll never be able to replace them.

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Santa Cruz's Mike Locatelli Passes Away

Santa Cruz's Mike Locatelli Passes Away

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