Michael Kaitanjian, 55, of Whittier, California, lost his battle with cancer at his home on Saturday, September 8, 2001. He passed away on the day of his 28th wedding anniversary to his loving wife Cathee. Michael spent the last months of his life welcoming his two new granddaughters. He also spent his days enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Mike grew up being a hard worker. He went with his Dad on his rubbish route when he was young to spend time with him. He worked as a box boy and service station attendant as a teenager. In 1970, he began working in the concrete industry as a concrete pump operator and production manager for a lightweight concrete firm. In 1975, he became a concrete contractor specializing in both lightweight and stamped concrete. Working in the industry he loved, friends and family began calling him “Cement Mike.”
He was a true visionary in stamped concrete, in 1987, he found passion in his work, and he began manufacturing Matcrete — 3-dimensional texturing tools for concrete. His business, Precision Stamped Concrete Tools, started selling locally and now distributes worldwide. He was so proud of his patterns and designs and seeing their creative use in places like Las Vegas, Mexico, Australia, Asia and Europe.
Mike’s love of the concrete industry allowed him to meet many people who shared his interests. He met them either at the World of Concrete show or over the phone as contractors and distributors called to find out about his products or how to get the right “look.” He also had the pleasure of having his family work with him in the family business. Over the past few years he had his sons Kris and Kyle under his wing. He taught them all he knew about the business and stamped concrete.
