LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport California business man Michael Theodore Gossett – aka “Gossett” – died at his home on June 18, 2014. He was 61.

Michael was born on March 16, 1953, in Anchorage, Alaska to Robert (Ted) and Lenora J. (Savelle) Gossett while they were stationed at Anchorage Air Force Base.

He grew up in Leavittsburg, Ohio and was a 1971 graduate of LaBrae High School.

As a youngster, he was an accomplished athlete in football, baseball, and basketball. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked to hike and explore in the mountains of Northern California.

After a brief stint in the military, Michael discovered his innate ability for salesmanship. The family joke was that “he could sell ice cubes to Eskimos.”

He sold a number of things including cookware, vacuum cleaners and life insurance before finally found his niche in the security industry.

After he moved to California, he worked for a company where he progressed from salesman to manager, and eventually started his own company, Gossett Alarm, in Lakeport in 1982. He also co-owned Lake County Answering Service with his sister and mother for 10 years.

Mike was a skilled electrician, carpenter and craftsman, and enjoyed building or repairing almost anything that needed his attention.

He loved his dogs, especially his “darling” Dobermans Heidi, Greta and Sophie.

He was a generous community supporter and contributed financial support to the causes he held dear.

He is survived by the true love of his life, Barbara Jean Gossett; his mother, Lenora; sister, Gail (Larry) Nader; brother, Robert (Jo) Gossett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Having had no biological children of his own he embraced the role of father and grandfather to Barbara’s children Jennifer (Brian) Castro, Erika (Eddie) Endres, Jessica (Allise) Borrayo, Brantley Lopez and Michael Lopez, grandchildren Lovita Castro and Miles Endres.

He also will be missed by his canine best friend Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Ted) Gossett

Michael T. Gossett was the epitome of a self-made man. His presence filled whatever room he entered and his neighbors often said they could hear his booming laughter resonate throughout the neighborhood.

He was a diehard Cleveland Browns fan as well as a very patriotic American.

Michael will be remembered as a great listener, master electrician, good friend who inspired those around him and a wonderful storyteller who cared deeply about the community in which he lived.

For all that knew and loved Gossett, you are invited to a celebration of his life this Saturday, July 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Rancho de la Fuente, 2290 Soda Bay Rd., Lakeport. A tri-tip dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Gossett asks that you take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.