Mikel Howard Ross, 54, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, two weeks before his 55th birthday, surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 1, 1971, Mikel was the son of Janet and Howard Ross. Tragically, his father passed away two months before Mikel was born.
His mother later married Ken Swicegood, who raised Mikel as his own, and Mikel loved and knew Ken as his dad.
When Mikel was five years old, the family relocated to Northern Virginia. Janet and Ken created a home filled with family, friends, laughter, spirits, great food, and unconditional love.
A talented chef, Ken inspired Mikel’s lifelong passion for cooking, and Mikel enjoyed recreating many of his parents’ favorite recipes into healthier versions.
Mikel graduated from Fairfax High School in 1989 before attending George Mason University, where he studied sports medicine and coached lacrosse.
His professional career included America Online (AOL) during its early years, and he worked in the sports medicine department for the Washington Redskins, combining his passion for athletics with his education.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Mikel was an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins, and he loved hockey.
Mikel later lived in Florida, then Pennsylvania, where he attended Penn State University. During that time, he met the love of his life, a spirited Jack Russell puppy named Petey.
He also briefly pursued bull riding, which ended after a crushing encounter with a bull.
Mikel and Petey eventually moved to Seattle before settling in San Diego, California, in 2004.
After establishing himself as a respected personal trainer in San Diego, Mikel joined friends Dennis Quaglia and Severn Crow to help launch Camp Run-A-Mutt, a dog daycare business that grew into a successful franchise.
Despite surviving a life-threatening lung infection just before the company opened, Mikel spent the next 18 years helping build the business, where his love for dogs, passion for teaching, and compassion for people made him an invaluable founder.
He enjoyed training franchise owners and staff while championing the importance of supporting the underdog.
During this chapter of his life, Mikel met his partner Jim. Together they shared a home filled with love, laughter, and, at one time, five dogs. They loved spending time in Santa Barbara with the dogs where Mikel felt at peace.
In 2022, Mikel was diagnosed with cancer. After initially overcoming the disease it later returned. Throughout his illness, he faced every challenge with remarkable courage, strength, dignity, and an unwavering sense of humor that continued to uplift those around him.
Jim transitioned from partner to caregiver with Janet, and together they gave Mikel a heroic level of care, compassion and love until the end.
Mikel will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, kindness, and selfless spirit.
He had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports, dogs, and random trivia, an impressive collection of tennis shoes, and a wit that often pushed the limits.
Most of all, he will be remembered for his infectious smile and his unforgettable laugh — a laugh that could brighten any room.
He is survived by his loving mother Janet Swicegood; uncles Alan and Bill Ross; his devoted partner Jim Morledge; business partners Dennis Quaglia and Severn Crow; his friends; and the Camp Run-A-Mutt family whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, humor, and “I-got-your-back” attitude.
Mikel’s legacy lives on in the many people he mentored; the business he helped build; the friendships he cherished; and the countless dogs whose lives were better (even saved) because of his love and compassion.
Mikel will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew him.
There will be a private memorial service in Santa Barbara. Donations on Mikel’s behalf can be made to the ASPCA and/or Stand Up To Cancer.