Mike Castillejos: The epitome of a Menifee Hometown Hero

Jennafer Griswold worked for nearly 10 years with Mike Castillejos on the committee organizing the annual Menifee Relay for Life to fight cancer. She said that no matter what project Castillejos was working on, he was available for all but eight days a year.

"Mike was a huge Chargers fan," Griswold said. "As soon as he got their schedule, he would map that out and tell everyone, 'These are the days I'm not available.' We would get notice six months ahead of time. He thought that far ahead in his planning.

"Those really were the only times he wasn't available to serve others. With Mike's help, we raised close to $300,000 for the American Cancer Society. And he had time for everyone. Even after meeting you just one time, he would get up and go across the room to greet you the next time. No one comes close to his kindness and grace."

Mike Castillejos might have been the most organized man in Menifee. From all accounts, he might also have been the most compassionate. Both during his long career as a bank president in town and after his recent retirement, Castillejos was involved in virtually every big volunteer organization in Menifee, always giving of his time with a smile and a willingness to help others.

Castillejos died suddenly at age 61 from complications of pneumonia on Jan. 14. As the community mourns the loss of a man twice named Menifee Citizen of the Year, Menifee 24/7 posthumously honors him as a Hometown Hero.

The criteria for our recently announced Hometown Hero award program is to be someone who is recognized by others as one who truly makes a difference. This applies to no one more than Castillejos. One of his favorite volunteer organizations was the American Cancer Society Menifee Relay for Life, for which he served on the organization committee for the past 10 years, including as chairman. He also had been a member of the Rotary Club of Menifee since 2001 and served as president in 2007-07.

In addition, Castillejos served as board member with the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, including serving as president. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus 7846 and was Grand Knight for two years. He devoted time to the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard and Menifee Santa's Workshop as well, in addition to many other charities.

"Mike had a heart for people," said Linda Denver, who served alongside Castillejos in the Rotary Club and other organizations. "It was related to his faith in God. He just had that spirit in him; he wanted to serve.

"Everything everyone is saying about him is true. I can't say enough about his character. He was honest and dependable, and he has the kindest spirit I have ever known."

Denver concurred with Griswold and others who said they never heard Castillejos say a negative thing about anyone.

"He never had a bad thing to say, even when he had an obvious opportunity to be sarcastic or critical," Denver said. "That goes to his love of God. I know where Mike is now."

Darci Castillejos, Mike's wife of 34 years, is also very involved in the community. She said Mike's passion for community service goes way back.

"It really goes back to his early days at Bank of America," Darci said in reference to Mike's days working for a bank in Temecula. "Employees would do volunteer activities with the March of Dimes and other organizations. Mike derived a lot of joy out of that.

"How did he keep up with everything? He was just that kind of guy who got joy out of serving. He was very organized. He simply made it work, and he was tireless."

Darci said Mike got involved with organizing the Menifee Relay for Life because of friends who had died of cancer and in memory of his father, who died from the disease, as well as Darci's mother.

"That event touched him personally," said Darci, shown at left with Mike. "He saw how well the event could be done, and it was very moving to him. That was probably one of his favorite events to work."

Regarding Mike's service with the Rotary Club, Darci said Mike "saw the value in the good things they do. He appreciated the energy that goes into their projects that give back to the world. The same with the Knights of Columbus. He was very committed to his faith, even though he didn't wear it on his sleeve."

Local businessman and Chamber or Commerce member Stu Blaze also had high praise for Castillejos.

"Mike has always been a giant for me in many ways," Blaze said. "Speaking to him and being with him in many of the volunteering events, out to dinner, at Rotary meetings, etc. I was and always will be in awe of how he managed his time in so many organizations he was involved in, and at the same time was always there for anyone who needed him. He was the most unselfish, generous and comfortable person to be around.

"In many situations I asked myself, 'What would Mike C. do?' I looked up to Mike every day I knew him and will continue to look up to Mike every day, always. He was a true leader who never had a negative word to say about anyone, ever. Our community and all who knew him have lost a true hero. He and his family will be in my heart always."

Employees of U.S. Bank, where Mike served as branch manager in the Sun City community, said Mike's legacy will not be forgotten.

"I remember when I first came to the Sun City Branch, Mike drove me around the city to introduce me to local businesses,"said Kyle Halverson, who succeeded Castillejos in that position. "I was shocked that no matter where we went, there were multiple people stopping to talk. Mike knew everyone, and everyone loved him. I was so impressed with Mike’s presence in the community and how passionate he was around service to the community. Mike was truly a role model."

And this from another U.S. Bank employee, Dawn Michele Wendschlag:

"The one thing that always stands out about Mike to me is his SMILE!" she said. "He was always happy and in a good mood! He was the most friendly, kind and enthusiastic person. He will be truly missed and my heart goes out to his family."

In addition to his wife Darci, Castillejos is survived by his children, Nicole and Richard; granddaughter Alyssa; his mother, Sheila Castillejos; and his sister, Aida Sarah (John) and nephew Anthony.

A funeral mass for Castillejos will be held Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 27931 Murrieta Road in Menifee. The public is invited. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay Menifee Relay for Life, the Rotary Cub of Menifee or the Knights of Columbus 7846.

Thanks from the Menifee community to Mike Castillejos, a true Hometown Hero.

Photos courtesy of "In Memory of Mike Castillejos" Facebook page.

"Hometown Heroes" is a Menifee 24/7 program created to recognize those in our community who truly are making a difference. To nominate someone for consideration, send us a Facebook message, email menifee247info@gmail.com or mail us at 28313 Parkdale Lane, Menifee CA 92584.