Obituaries

Michael Clay Cabbell, known to those who loved him as Mike, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2026, in Fremont, California. He was 63.

Born on April 28, 1963, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mike lived a life shaped by curiosity, connection, humor, and adventure. Over the years, he called many places home, including Mountain Lakes, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; and Wassenaar, The Netherlands.

Mike built his career in technology and software sales, where he brought not only skill and professionalism, but also the same warmth and ease that defined him in every part of his life. He had a rare gift for making people feel comfortable in conversation; welcomed, heard, and never out of place.

Those who knew Mike will remember his extraordinary sense of humor, his love of travel, and his joy in discovering all kinds of food, especially Asian cuisine. He was also an avid road cyclist, finding freedom and focus on the open road.

To Ruth, his beloved wife of nearly 32 years, Mike was home, companion, and the great light of her life. His absence leaves the world feeling smaller and dimmer, but the love, laughter, and ease he gave so freely remains with everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 32 years, Ruth White-Cabbell; his mother, Opal Taylor; his sister, Diana Cohen and her husband, David; his nieces, Jennifer Apple and Stephanie Cohen; his stepbrothers, Mike Taylor and his wife, Sandy, and Kevin Taylor and his wife, Holly; and his stepsister, Karyn Martin and her husband, Randy. He is also survived by his beloved pets, Gary the beagle and Molly the cat, and by many cherished friends from every chapter of his life.

He is preceded in death by his father, David R. Cabbell, his stepmother, Sally Cabbell, and stepfather Bob Taylor.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be planned and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mike’s memory may consider a donation to a cause connected to his life and the love he shared: NorCal Beagle Rescue, in honor of his beloved beagle Gary; the USA Cycling Foundation, in recognition of his love of road cycling; or a suicide prevention organization such as the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.