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Michael "Mike" Carrigan
April 28, 1937-Dec. 14, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
We are saddened by the sudden passing of our dear father, loving husband and grandfather, Michael Carrigan, on December 14, 2013. He was the son of Mary and Bud Carrigan and was born April 28, 1937 in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco and met his wife, Elaine, at a school dance. They were married on June 1, 1957.
Mike was a retail business owner in San Mateo and Sunnyvale for over 30 years. He served on the Men's Club Board of Saint Francis High School in Mountain View in the 70's. Mike was very athletic and was known to be an excellent handball player at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge.
After selling their business, Mike and Elaine retired to Santa Cruz in 1990. He was an enthusiastic volunteer and an active member of the Surf City Kiwanis. He enjoyed traveling, was an avid 49er fan and loved listening to Frank Sinatra. Most days you would find him sitting on his ocean-front porch people watching. He treasured the Monterey Bay and had donated his time as a docent at the Long Marine Laboratory. He loved a good Beefeater martini, which helped him endure his love-hate relationship with the BBQ. He was a wonderful, generous man who always had a song or a joke for every occasion and said he spoke the loudest because he had the most important things to say.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elaine; his son James Carrigan, daughters Susan Chavez and Laurie Carrigan, daughter-in-law Jennifer Carrigan and son-in-law Jesse Chavez; his four grandchildren Michael and Nicolas Chavez and Lindsay and Erin Carrigan. He was devoted to his family and relished spending time with them. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street in Santa Cruz on Thursday, December 19th at 6:00pm. A gathering of friends to follow at the Carrigan home. In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
December 18, 2013
Elaine - I am so sorry to read of Mike's sudden passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Joyce Flores Kiefer
December 18, 2013
Elaine, I am wishing you peace to bring you comfort, the courage to face all the days ahead and fond and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Lean on your friends and family for strength, and always remember how much you are loved.
Hugs and much love, Joyce
Joyce Marie
December 17, 2013
Hi Elaine, Jim, Sue and Lori.. My Mom called me last night and told me about Mike's/your Dad's passing. I am so shocked and so very sorry. You Dad was one of my Dad's best friends and I will never forget the beautiful heart felt speech Mike gave at my Dad's memorial service a few years ago. Next to my father, Mike was one of the funniest and kindest man I have ever met. The Carmassi family is very sad and we will miss him very much. Hi Jesse and Jen. I will try my very best to be there on Thursday night. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love always,
Dennis
Dennis Carmassi
December 17, 2013
Mike's legacy lives on through his wonderful family and friends. May time heal your sorrow, friends ease your pain, and peace fill your heart. With love and very fond memories of our time with Mike and your family. Bob, Linda and Bobby
Linda Kresge
December 17, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing.We enjoyed his friendship so much through Kiwanis. He will be greatly missed.
Jan and Bob DeWitt
December 17, 2013
Mike was a true friend with a great sense of humor. It is with great sadness that we and the Carrigan family will miss him dearly.TheFigone's
Chuck and Barbara Figone
December 16, 2013
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Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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