Local activist passes away

Local political activist Michael Pike, 67, a retired nurse and Green Beret Vietnam vet, succumbed to cancer on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Pike (pictured) used his military past as a bedrock for credibility when critiquing America’s more recent military involvements. Last month, he spoke at a Chico City Council Internal Affairs meeting where a group calling itself Chico Military Heroes asked for a license to display banners honoring local active-duty military personnel on light posts along a number of roadways year-round.

“I honor the intentions of this group who wants to fly the banners,” he said, suggesting they would better be displayed on private, rather than public, property. “I saw a lot of combat and I don’t consider myself a hero.”

Pike was born in Wisconsin and married for the past 12 years to another nurse and Chico activist, Chris Nelson.