Mike Fay

Mike Fay01/09/1963 - 03/01/2026Mike P. Fay, 63, Master Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at his home in Joshua Tree, California, surrounded by his loving family and his devoted partner, Susan Pamaran.Born in San Francisco on January 9, 1963, Mike grew up in San Francisco and South San Francisco and attended El Camino High School. In 1983, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a distinguished 21-year career marked by courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment.A Desert Storm veteran, Mike retired with honors in 2004 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. He served as a Machine Gunner, Recruiter, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal NCO and SNCO. Recognized as United States Marine Corps Recruiter of the Year, he personally recruited over 50 young men and women and later earned national honors as a Small Station Commander. His awards included multiple Good Conduct Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation and Southwest Asia Service Medals.After retiring at Twentynine Palms, Mike settled in Joshua Tree in 2000 and remained devoted to fellow veterans as an active member and former officer of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7264.Known as the man who would show up when you needed him, Mike loved riding his Harley, working as a hobbyist mechanic, and sharing his trademark dry humor - often ending conversations with a perfectly timed, "Right."He is survived by his partner, Susan Pamaran; his son, Michael (Alexandra) Acosta-Fay; his stepson, Jacob (Alexis) Montejano; his mother, Carol Fay; his sister, Kimberly (Al) Cook; his nephew, Jack Clifford; his aunt Sue (John) Hobson; his Goddaughter Michelle (John) Denegri; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Fay.As Mike would say, "So there you have it".A celebration of life will be announced. Donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation or the EOD Memorial Fund.Semper Fidelis.