John Mendiz bal

(John) Michael Mendiz bal

Resident of Santa Rosa

Feb. 5, 1935 - Oct. 26, 2010

Born in San Francisco, California to parents Seferino Mendiz bal and Mari Lorono Mendiz bal. He was the middle child of their 3 sons. The family moved to the Saratoga/Los Gatos area where they worked with the Jesuits at Sacred Heart Novitiate and Alma College. The Mendizabals contributed to the rich heritage of Almaden Vineyards and the deep agricultural history of the Santa Clara Valley.

Mike was a proud graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory and attended San Jose State University. He served in the army, in Okinawa, after the Korean War as a Chaplain's Assistant. Mike worked in the Survey Section of Santa Clara County. He was a Survey Party Chief and was an active union representative in Local 715 before retiring in 1996, after 31 years of public service. Mike was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed all the arts. He especially enjoyed working with people, good food and good friends. Mike was a sports enthusiast who attended countless events to root his son on in football.

Mike was extremely proud of his Spanish-Basque heritage and enjoyed sharing his culture and love of family with everyone. Mike will be forever loved and remembered for his good nature, great sense of humor, story-telling, generosity, patient instruction and kindheartedness.

Mike was a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend of many. He is survived by his children, Reymond and wife Jacqueline, Oona and Louie, and Yvonne and husband Mike. Also survived by beloved mother, Mari Mendiz bal, brother Bob and wife Linda, his sister-in-law Bette and adored grandchildren, Simone and Nicholas. Also survived by nephews and nieces, Michael (Nancy), Michelle (Mark), Marisa (Hector), Matthew (Kim), Marcos, Greg (Jenny), Anisa (Karen), and great nephews and nieces; Nicole (Emo), Christopher (Claire), Jacqueline, Mari, Kira and Alexa. He will be missed by his many friends worldwide including the Santa Rosa coffee shop group and beloved Mary Biagini with her children Carlo, Michael (Andrea), Becky (Paul), and Mary's grandchildren Jessica, Meagan, Lilly, Jake, Alex and Belle.

Please join our family to celebrate Mike's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice.

The service will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 2323 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA. All are invited to a reception immediately following the service.