Michael Martin Ratigan
Obituary

Michael Ratigan (Mike) age 52 unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep Nov 11/2025 while camping in the Laguna Mountains.  Mike was predeceased by his father Charles Henry Buck Ratigan and grandparents John and Lily (Buck) Ratigan and Martin and Grace (Rogers) Bowersock.

From an early age Mike was an avid reader, enjoyed writing poetry and participating in and watching all types of sports.  All of his life he was exploring, wondering what was around the next corner.  His kindergarten teacher was concerned that he rushed through all his assignments so he could read a book and this contributed to terrible handwriting.    In High School he worked for and purchased his own vehicle, a little MG with manual steering as his mother insisted that her children all learn how to shift-stick before she would take them to get a driver’s license.

He put himself through College by working as a cook, and becoming a Sous Chef at a country club.  He earned his college degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. Mike was a good listener and quick to recognize that he could learn much from others and they deserved his respect.  One line he shared with his mother after his experiences as a cook was that the chef had taught him “Always take time for the thyme.”

He began his sales career in FL where at one time he had shared ownership with a dog named Emily and a cat he named Dulcinea.  He got Dulcinea’s name from the book Don Quixote which was his love of literature shining through.  Mike was disappointed when he first took Emily with him to go fishing and quickly realized that fishing is not a sport to be shared with a golden retriever as Emily naturally jumped into the water to chase the lure when Mike would cast his line.

In 2009 he was afforded the opportunity to travel to Ireland with his mother and sisters.  Mike did all the driving, made certain he kissed the Blarney stone, and when the vacation was over he chose to stay in Europe and spend a few months there.  He later shared with family that he met some amazing people while traveling Europe and was especially impressed by the Czech Republic.  The Louvre was also one of his favorite visits with the Dutch Master section being the most impressive to him.

In 2010 Mike moved to San Diego, CA where he could enjoy the legendary beautiful weather with minimum rain and this became his home.

In San Diego he worked as an Advertising Sales Executive for The San Diego Union-Tribune, a position he truly loved.  He greeted everyone who called on the telephone with the message “It’s a beautiful day” and he truly meant what he was saying.  He was proficient with his follow-ups assuring his customers were happy with their ads.  Whenever asked by his employer to cover for a co-worker who was on vacation or had an extended illness, Michael was willing and capable of handling the extra work required.  He was covering for one of his co-workers at the time of his death.  Friends agree he was a genuinely great guy who was always willing to help anyone, anytime.  He was a loving son to his mother and a great comfort to her when she needed a bit of optimism.

When his mother moved, Mike came for a visit and found she had torn out most of the shrubbery around her house because she felt it was too overgrown and too close to the foundation.  He blithely pitched in with his sister, brother-in-law and nephews to replace the shrubs and perennials and put down endless bags of mulch.  He took delight in sharing his cookery skills with family and taking them to one of his old favorite fishing spots for a relaxing day of fishing.

Mike spent much of his free time at the beaches in CA and visiting national and state parks.  When COVID hit our country his employer requested all work be accomplished via telephone or email, because they wanted to close the offices.  Mike loved the mandate because this gave him the freedom to spend more time taking pleasure in communing with nature. Since he was never married nor had children he was free to pursue his passions as only he wanted.  He lived a Spartan life because he viewed stuff and things as mostly encumbrances and his wants were few. His faith was also a huge part of his life and as much as he possibly could he lived just as Jesus would have wanted him to. Nature was his church.

He actually loved going to the gym, something that confounds his mother to this day. He visited the gym daily and would stop by a grocery store to buy fresh food to prepare for himself, or simply do a little fishing and enjoy fresh fish that evening.  When his mother visited a few years back he delighted in fixing dinner, showing off his culinary skills, and taking her to the beaches, surrounding mountains and countless other San Diego sites.

Mike is survived by his mother Susan Roach Galion, OH and two sisters Bridget (James) Pettit Athens, OH and Mary (Bill) Walters Galion, OH as well as nephews Alex (Tara Rodgers) Schutt Ashland, OH, Mason (Kate Hall) Pettit Jacksonville, FL, Gage (Isabelle Bailey) Walters Akron, OH, Keegan Walters, Galion, OH, nieces Casey (Zak Burke) Schutt Bowling Green, OH, Leah Pettit Berea, KY, grandnephew Emmett Burke and special long-time friend Cristen Stewart Ft. Myers, FL.

Mike will be dearly missed by his family, friends and co-workers.  Family request in lieu of flowers you simply smile when you remember Mike.

Arrangements are in process for cremation.  Plans are in process for a funeral mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Galion, OH followed by burial of cremains in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Galion.