Michael Joseph Webster

Long-time Chico resident Michael Joseph Webster, age 80, passed away on January 17, 2024, in Waco, Texas after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Michael was an entrepreneur and family man who left an indelible mark on the hospitality business. He was born in Oakland, California on November 13, 1943, to parents seeking to take advantage of the burgeoning opportunities the West afforded. Originally, he came to Chico in 1962 with his parents Elnora Elizabeth Delancy and Joseph Vincent Webster. He had grown up in Reno, Nevada where his parents owned and operated the landmark dinner house “the Big Hat” on South Virginia.

Seeking a fresh start, the family sought a new beginning in a small town with a bucolic setting. With the cultural dynamism of the university combined with the charms of a small town and its magnificent city park, Chico struck a chord with the family. “Mike and Eddies” would be the beginning of several successful enterprises owned by Michael and his wife Donna. Later, after the death of his parents, Michael remodeled the establishment and created a new concept called “Delancy’s”.

Throughout the ’70s, 80’s, and early 90’s the city would witness the creation of many other restaurants by the hand of Michael including the “Oak’s Bar & Grill”, “La Fonda”, “Canal Street”, R. Fish & Company”, and “Chico’s”. In addition to his pursuits in the restaurant business, Michael served on the board of directors of Butte Savings and Loan and the Concours D’Elegance and was a member of Brookings #1934 Elks Lodge. Beyond his business pursuits and community activities Michael was an accomplished instrument-rated pilot. He owned a Cessna 210 with a partner, which he used for both pleasure and business.

Along with his wife and two sons, Michael piloted his Cessna 210 all over the western United States, Mexico, Canada, and even Alaska where the family camped out under the wing of the aircraft for an entire summer in 1990. With an unquenchable thirst for adventure, Michael spearheaded many trips with his family. From skiing in Tahoe, house boating in the Delta, riding off-road motorcycles in the desert, and scuba diving in the Virgin Islands, he took his family everywhere. For Michael, the love for his family was both profound and sincere. And nothing embodied this love more than his marriage to his longtime wife of 54 years, Donna, who tirelessly stood by him.

In 2003 Michael and his wife relocated to the coast of Brookings, Oregon where they made many friends and played a lot of golf. In 2021 due to health reasons, they moved to Waco, Texas to be near family.

Michael is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, Eric and Ryan; Ryan’s wife, Jennifer; and grandsons Easton, Chase, Brandon, Finn, and Americus.