Michael Nesmith passed away on May 3, 2026 at the age of 78 at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Prescott, AZ. He had long battled Parkinson's Disease from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. He was the oldest of 8 children. Michael grew up in Santa Barbara, CA where he was a Boy Scout and altar boy. He played football at Santa Barbara High School. He learned to scuba dive and fly airplanes. At age 16, he completed student pilot training, then got his driver license. He was an Amature Radio Operator (HAM). He enlisted in the US Army in 1968 and trained as an Air Traffic Control Specialist and Army Ranger. He married Eileen in 1970 just before being sent to Vietnam. When he returned home, he completed Aircraft Mechanic Training at Northup Institute of Technology. He later received his Inspector Authorization from the FAA. He also completed his Multi-Engine, Instrument and Rotorcraft Rating. In 1982, he and Eileen adopted 3 1/2 year old Angela. The next year they al sailed on their trimaran Tyele from Florida to the Virgin Islands, where they were Charter Boat Captains. Later, they all moved to Prescott, AZ to help out family, but later bought another boat and sailed back to St. Croix, USVI. They enjoyed many travels together to Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Amazon River.

Michael will be remembered as a caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather.