Mike Lopez

1934 - 2010

Mike Lopez May 7, 1934 - November 11, 2010 Mike Lopez, 76, passed away on November 11, 2010. He was born in Bakersfield, CA on May 7, 1934 to Alberto Lopez and Josefina Barrera. He was the youngest of three boys and attended Lincoln Elementary, Bakersfield High School (BHS), Long Beach State and California State University of Bakersfield. In 1962 he met his wife Vickie at a Mother's Day celebration. He was living in Long Beach attending school and would come to Bakersfield every weekend to see her in hopes of getting a date. The rest is history. Mike was married to Vickie for 46 years and they had three children together, Helen, Tony and Eric. Dad and Mom had their own bookkeeping and income tax business, Atlas Tax Service, which has operated successfully for over 40 years. They worked long hours during income tax season but looked forward to reconnecting and laughing with their loyal clients and friends. Dad was always ready to help the Catholic Church in any way he could. He was a member of the St. Philip's chapter of the Knights of Columbus for 20 years and was also a member of the Moose Lodge. Dad loved to make weekly shopping trips to Costco and Sam's Club. He loved feeding his Chihuahuas the finest cuts of meat and McDonald's cheeseburgers. He also loved watching classic black and white movies. He will especially be missed by all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom enjoyed his sense of humor. Grandpa was known for re-telling the same funny stories and jokes that never got old. Grandpa adored his grandchildren and never said "no" to any of his grandkids. Grandpa was known for making them bacon for breakfast, taking them for rides and buying them toys. He is survived by his wife, Vickie; daughter, Helen Galicia and husband Gerry; sons, Tony and Eric Lopez. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Alfredo Lopez and wife Peggy; sisters-in-law, Rosie Ruiz, Jessie Rubio and husband Ruben; brother-in-law, Felix Delgado. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe. Viewing is Tuesday, Nov. 16th, at 4:00 p.m. Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Southwest. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip The Apostle Church, 7100 Stockdale Hwy. Msgr. Ronald J. Swett will officiate the Rosary and Funeral. Dad and Grandpa will be dearly missed but loved and remembered by his family. www.bakersfield.com/obits