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1964
2016
Mike Chestnut born January 14, 1964, passed to eternal rest May 3, 2016.
Michael Chestnut was born and raised in central Pennsylvania. His parents were Lee and Beverly Chestnut. His childhood years were spent in the country, and he loved to spend time down by the creek looking for reptiles to keep as pets. He graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 1981.
After Honorable service in the Air Force Mike joined his parents and brother in Los Angeles, California.
Mike worked at American Airlines for 13 years as a mechanic. After he purchased a Kawasaki 750 Turbo he started a business focused on this particular motorcycle. He developed parts and procedures to increase the performance and helped hundreds of people around the world to modify and maintain the 750 Turbo for over 25 years.
In 1999 he quit his job at the airlines because his motorcycle business was growing, and decided to move to Tennessee where he purchased a house on the lake, and built his dream garage.
Mike had a love for pinball machines from his childhood, and when he built the garage he included a game room. After purchasing a few pinball machines, his mechanical talents led to repairs and modifications, and eventually full restorations of pinball machines. This business also grew, and flourished with hundreds more customers. Many were drawn to his high quality chrome and brass plating of the metal pieces and parts of the pinball machines. He was considered the best at pinball game restorations.
Mike's true passion continued to be time spent riding motorcycles throughout the USA. He met up with many friends and joined together on riding adventures throughout the countryside.
His focus was on Kawasaki motorcycles, and his mechanical talent and knowledge were showcased on the motorcycles he owned, and on the work he performed for others.
His passion ran so deep, that even suffering physical injuries and constant pain, did not deter him from riding time and time again. To ride was living life to the fullest for Mike.
To everyone who had the privilege to know Mike and benefit from his many talents, we were all enriched by his presence in our lives. He was a hard working man with integrity and attention to detail. Words alone cannot express all that he meant to his family, friends, and customers. May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday May 9, at Two o'clock in the afternoon at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday from noon until the hour of the service at the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bill, Barbara & David Jackson.
May 3, 2017
Chris Royalty
Been a year ago today. Still hard to believe. Never have posted on here as I just didn't know what to write. Miss you bud. Thankful for you and the impact you've made on my life and the life of my family. Wish you were here.
March 11, 2017
Kent Hejazi
So sad to hear the sad news, mike was a very kind knowledgeable person who will be missed dearly. I will always be grateful for his help. My condolences to the chestnut family.
Kent Hejazi Los Angeles, CA. (Iran)
September 14, 2016
Shanna Post
Mike was a very dear friend, and I am just finding out about his passing So very sad. We met as housemates in 1986, his brother Scott and he lived in the guest house of property I rented in California. Mike and his Chevy were so fun to be around .. Drag races and motorcycles later over the years we became great friends and I came to appreciate what a genuine and true soul he was. Felt for him during one of his crash episodes, circa 1989? Very painful to see him go through so much pain after the incident near LAX. He would do anything for anyone anytime. It is uncommon to find anymore these days ... a soul as true and genuine, as Michael. I feel so blessed to have known him and will remember our special times together. My condolences to brother Scott, and the Chestnut family. With much love, Shanna
August 23, 2016
Michael Mutter
Just found out about Mike, I rode with him at the ralley the picture guest book picture was taken at. Very sorry to hear about his loss. One of the good ones.
July 10, 2016
Gary Fania
My deepest sympathy to the Chestnut family. I too met Mike thru 750 turbo bikes. He supplied me with knowledge and parts. I met him in person at the Georgia turbo rally, and again in the Pocono's for a turbo rally I hosted.we had some great r ides that weekend and shared some lasting moments. A deep loss to the bike world and to all the people he touched.
May 21, 2016
Kev Le Poidevin
My condolences to the Chestnut family. I met Mike for the first time at Christmas 2015 when we drove specifically down from D.C. to 'talk turbo'. I knew of Mike since the early 90s when I bought my Turbo in Australia. Being posted to the US I just had to meet this guy and give my old baby some Chestnut love. What a true gentleman, openly welcoming me into his home. After several hours of swapping stories, checking out Pinball machines and classics and his latest beast, I left with a trunk load of parts, some wild stories and a desire to get to know this bloke better. Unfortunately this was not to be; so ride on Mike and rest in peace.
May 15, 2016
Bill & David Jackson
Our deepest sympathies to Mike's family. His life is an example of honor, integrity, and just plain kindness. We are honored to have known him professionally and personally. Mike was family to us. He was my son's best loyal friend. His big smile and ability to talk to people of all ages made him personable, charming, good nature, winning, amiable, etc. Mike was a person you remembered, period. He and David made many trips in my truck to Chicago to the Pinball Expo. Lee and Mike rebuilt all of David's pinball machines, and yes they are out of this world quality. Mike and David had gathered parts for the next Rolling Stone rebuild. He was so patient with us none mechanical people. I can not say everything here about Mike. We loved him. His friendship will be remembered by this family forever. God made a good man named Mike.
Bill, Barbara, David Jackson
Franklin, TN
May 14, 2016
Bill and David Jackson
Our deepest sympathies to Mike's family. His life is an example of honor, integrity, and just plain kindness. We are honored to have known him. We have been in Orlando and just received the news. Mike was like part of our family. He and David made many trips to Chicago in my truck. The best friend you could have was Mike. Mike was a person who truly cared for everyone. He and Lee rebuilt all of David's pinball machines and had the parts for Rolling Stone, next. Mike was the best friend of my son. We loved Mike and will always miss him.
May 14, 2016
Steve Brewer
Mike guided me on all things 750 Turbo. He was also a very good friend even though we were thousands of miles apart. I will miss him and miss talking with him, RIP my friend.
May 11, 2016
mike gangemi
mike was always a phone call away when ever I got stuck working on my
turbo, he was a good friend and a master craftsman!
May 10, 2016
JOHN EY
Mike Chestnut was the person who inspired me to buy my 1st 750 turbo.Years ago when he lived in LA I called his shop to talk to him he had left a message that he was going to be in VA at the races. I drove7 hours to the racetrack never had seen Mike and spent all day asking people where to find him. I was looking in the parking lot saw a guy looking at my turbo and said that has to be Mike Chesnut I was almost lost for words when it was him . I said that's my bike and I drove this far just to meet you . From there we struck a friendship I will never forget .Ive had over ten 750turbos over the years because of MIKE .I don't own one to date but definetly will get another in memory of mike. We were supposed to ride this spring. You were an awesome dude MIKE CHESTNUT .RIP!!!
May 10, 2016
Brent Lawson
I moved to Nashville from Michigan in 2007 and after about a year of not finding many to ride with . I came across a motorcycle meetup group online in the Fall of 2008 which met at the Cycle Gear Parking lot in Rivergate. Everyone was checking out everyone else's motorcycle and as I was making my way through the bikes, I came across, what looked like, a mint 1984 Turbo 7-50. This was definitely somebody's baby. After a minute, Mike walked up as the proud owner and he told me he bought it new! My first thought was, That's such a nice bike, what a shame it hasn't been ridden! That thought didn't last long at all. Once the ride was underway, Mike easily settled into the lead and directed everyone which way to go, where the gravel spots were, how far we had before we needed gas - everything we hadn't been prepared for, Mike was ready to give us all guidance - all while riding with expert skill and a huge smile. I kept telling myself during the ride, I have to get this guy's number before we part ways!.
Mike was an energy source for so many people. For me, I felt recharged and ready to do any & all maintenance to my bike after leaving a ride with him. If I didn't get all of it done before the next ride, I knew he would notice and called me out with joy. Everytime I set foot into his workshop, I went home to my own garage and tried to arrange my tools and straighten up for at least an hour. Whenever Mike called, he would begin by saying, What are you sleeping?!? He would do this no matter what time of the day! MAN - no I'm not sleeping! It's 2 o'clock in the afternoon! That's how he would get me going. Mike was not only a motivator but also very giving of his own time. He also had a bit of salesman in him, having gotten me into a ton of things I had no business being apart of, like track days at V.I.R. or Drag Racing in Bowling Green. When He asked, I had a hard time saying no.
In the past year alone, he had offered to help repair the valves in my motorcycle, give me a 5 day Deep sea charter fishing trip for free, and to let me ride one of his bikes while we went to the Ohio Mile Top Speed Event so I could get a race license for the over 200 miles per hour club! MIke wanted his friends to have fun and enjoy motorcycles the way he had. Nothing more needed. Just seeing his electrifying smile looking back at you after finally catching up to him at the next stop sign is something you just had to have been there to truly enjoy.
I'm so glad I was there to enjoy just a small bit of this great man's big life. Love ya buddy.
May 10, 2016
Jay and Dianne Eshbach
Our deepest sympathies to Mike's family. His life is an example of honor, integrity, and just plain kindness. We are honored to have known him professionally and personally. We will miss that great smile.
May 9, 2016
Rory Stiles
Mike was an Amazing Mechanical GPz Turbo Guru. More than that he was one of the most honest true friends you could ever know. Mike made a 40 year dream come true for my best friend Jim Short to ride a motorcycle "GPz 880 Turbo" at Bonneville Salt Flats. I will Always be grateful for his help and friendship. He will be truly missed. God Bless You Mike.
May 9, 2016
Trevor Watson
Mike was a great guy and a great rider. He will be missed for sure and wished I rode with him more. RIP Mike
May 9, 2016
Ron Woodard
Mike was a great man. He was the best at everything he did.
May 9, 2016
I'm sure I road with the guy in Bowling Green. Didn't know him one bit...but sounds like I wish I had. JG
May 8, 2016
He will be sorely missed by anyone that ever had the privilege of meeting him and the world has lost one very good person. The kind they don't make enough of. I give Mike my highest compliment he was a real rider. Godspeed, Mike, Godspeed.
Robert H. Bob Miller, Turbo Motorcycle International Owners Association
May 8, 2016
Chris Moak
I rode with mike a few times with the meet up group. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
May 8, 2016
TMIOA
Everyone wanted to be like Mike. - TMIOA
May 8, 2016
Robert Miller
I can attest to the fact that his influence was worldwide. - Robert Miller
(Photo from motor-talk.de (Germany)
May 8, 2016
Mike Matulavich
Mike will be missed and not forgotten. I hope his family knows that their loss is shared by many. God speed Mike.
May 8, 2016
Steve Klose
I met Mike many times over the years at the Turbo Rallies. It seemed no distance was too far for Mike to ride to on this Kawasaki 750 Turbo. A man of so many talents -- he will be missed.
May 8, 2016
Curtis Baker
I met Mike through the pinball community and right way was impressed by his incredible talent. He plated a Shadow for me and just finished an I500 complete restoration that gave us both satisfaction. He asked me to go on a road trip with him to St. Louis and I spent the weekend getting to know Mike. A fascinating person with so many stories of living life to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.
May 8, 2016
T. Kent Flanery
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He is a special friend and was a technological genius of the highest order. His intellect and passion for life drew us all to him like a magnet. We will miss him greatly.
Kent Flanery
45 Arrowhead Dr.
Morehead, KY
606-923-3162
May 8, 2016
Chris Kooluris
"I never met Mike personally but came to know of him and his talents through the pinball community. My sincerest condolences to his family and close friends. He was an amazing talent and incredible guy. His memory will live on with all those he helped and touched over the years. Pouring some out for you Mike."
May 8, 2016
I met Mike through the T.M.I.O.A. turbo motorcycle owner's club. He did many upgrades to my turbo Kawasaki. I've been to his house more than once, rode his Jet Ski on the lake in back of his house, even shared a hotel room at the NY turbo rally back in 1998. He visited me in PA at my house, and we shared a lot of fond memories over the years .I'm shocked to find this sad news. I will miss him.
Steve Smith, Trevose, PA
May 7, 2016
Kerry Stair
Mike was a pinball buddy and I enjoyed every minute I spent with him. I will miss him. GOD speed Mike.
May 7, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Chestnut Family in this time of great loss and grief.
May you know the comfort of God each day.
It was our honor to pastor your family while in PA.
May 7, 2016
Shawn Roberts
I was lucky enough to meet Mike in 2014. I did a google search for a sport bike club and signed up. First meet up and ride i was blown away by his leadership, kindness and pure talent on a motorcycle. Was a great person to be around and i greatly appreciated knowing him. He will be sorely missed for sure. I learned so much from him.
R.I.P Mike
May 7, 2016
Chris McQuillen
I spent many thousands of happy miles riding with Mike and hanging out at his garage. It would be a massive understatement to say he was one of a kind. He was a blast to hang out with and had many many friends across the country. He did everything 110 percent or not at all. So glad I met him...On the boost Mike forever.....
May 7, 2016
Michael Remo
I had the pleasure of riding with mike a few times last year. You could tell right away that he was great guy to hang around. The best part of riding with him was when we would stop and he would tell riding stories. Truely going to miss this guy.
May 7, 2016
John Hoge
A true legend among the pinball community. He turned my Indiana Jones pin into a thing of beauty by supplying gold rails, legs, lockdown and gun shooter. Beautiful work. Great to work with. I never met him personally but can say he was a friend to many. My thoughts and prayers are with those who knew and loved him.
John Hoge (Monclova, OH)
May 6, 2016
Allen Willard
Never got to meet Mike in person. But talked to him on phone and purchased several pinball parts from him.Always there to help and parts were 2ND to none.as someone else stated the world needs more people like Mike not less. Very sorry for families loss and the loss for the pinball community. I also fell I lost a friend.
May 6, 2016
Shannon Lawrence
Thanks for the great times we had with the group, and the knowledge you gave me, going to miss you dearly R.I.P. ................Shannon L.
May 6, 2016
Travis Patterson
Had the pleasure of meeting Mike just over a year ago and enjoyed getting to know him during that time. Just living down the road, I frequently picked his brain and enlisted his help in fixing problems and restoring my pinball machines. His passion for riding and excellence in everything he did was clear the day I met him.
Very sad to lose a man of such great character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. I haven't had the chance to meet his parents, but Mike's life speaks volumes about the quality people that they must be.
May 6, 2016
Steve H
Didn't know you but heard of your passing through Midwest Track. Ride in paradise. RIP
May 6, 2016
Jeffrey Wheat
The Midwest Track Day family will miss Mike in the paddock. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
May 6, 2016
Chandler and Bryana Henn
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great neighbor. You are in our thoughts and prayers
May 6, 2016
Mike was a great neighbor. He never passed the house without smiling and waving if we were out in the yard. He will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Tom & Sherrie Sorrells
May 6, 2016
Kevin Norwood
Prayers go out to his family and all of his friends. Such a great professional person and friend. Will be missed immensely.
May 6, 2016
Bob Nagel
Mike was a good friend who will be greatly missed. He had an engaging personality, a tremendous work ethic and would do anything for anyone. I pray Mike will be welcomed into Heaven and pray for his parents to find peace.
May 6, 2016
One of the best. Shocked and very sad to hear of the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
May 5, 2016
Castle Powersports
From all of us here, we were saddened and shocked to hear the news. We did business and knew Mike for many years. Mike was always a great person to talk to and deal with. He will be truly missed. Condolences to his family.
May 5, 2016
Mike Giorgio
I have known Mike since 2010, as he and his father had done a lot of work on my pinball machines for me. He had tremendous patience with this rookie. Since Mike's work was so very well known and respected, many, many people from across the country, and the world, are mourning with the Chestnut family. God Bless you all. Your loss is deeply felt by all of us 'out here'.
May 5, 2016
Ryan Alders
I had just met Mike a few months ago but I could tell he loved his work and took great pride in it. He will be missed in so many ways. His passion will last forever through his work. Our thoughts are with you.
May 5, 2016
Ron Bloedow
My condolences to your family, Mike will be greatly missed.
He did amazing work for the pinball community that brought a level of perfection everyone talked about.
So sorry to hear of his passing.
May 5, 2016
Bryan Walsh
Mike was a great friend and mentor to many of us. His enthusiasm and friendship are already greatly missed in my life. I am sure I share this loss with a great many of friends and family. Godspeed my friend. RIP
May 5, 2016
Heath
Mike Chestnut was a great guy. Not a good guy... A great guy. The kind of guy you were proud and lucky to have meet in your travels. I meet him through pinball. His kindness and work will continue to touch the lives of many. He will be missed.
Mike Chestnut was a great guy.
May 5, 2016
Larry & Jane Hoover
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
May 5, 2016
Christopher Hutchins
Thoughts and prayers to Mike's family in their time of need.
He is going to be greatly missed.
May 5, 2016
Chris Edwards
Mike was a wonderful guy, full of heart and enthusiasm. I still can't believe this has happened. I'm deeply sorry I could not be there show my deepest respect and sympathies. You will be sorely missed.
May 5, 2016
Bob Graham
Just met Mike a few times at auctions. He always had that unique smile and was an up-beat person. We talked about a few machines. I never used his pinball services but from what I heard he was a true craftsman. God Speed Mike. Bob Graham
May 5, 2016
Jason Wilson
Mike was a great friend and mentor. Game Galaxy Arcade would not be able to have thrived without all of his help and the help of his father Lee. He will be sorely missed, many of his stories and "throw that game in the lake" requests will always be remembered by us at the arcade.
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Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
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Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
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Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
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