Patrick Michael Carr

Patrick Michael “Mike” Carr passed away on December 3, 2025, from complications of a short illness, surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who knew him best.

Mike was born on February 10, 1942, in San Francisco, California, to Carl “Curly” and Waverly Carr. He grew up on Baker Street, where he made lifelong friends, developed a legendary sense of humor, and perfected the fine art of tormenting his two sisters, Carlene and Paulette.

He met the love of his life, Gail, while they were sophomores at Lowell High School. Clearly a smart man, Mike held onto her from that point forward. He spent his entire career working for the City of San Francisco, proudly following the philosophy of “take the test and take a rest,” first as a gardener and later as a Teamster truck driver.

Mike and beautiful Gail married in 1967, shortly before Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served honorably in Vietnam with the 4th Infantry as a radio teletype operator. He often said it was the only time he truly applied himself in school—doing whatever it took to avoid carrying the radio with the “big whip antenna in the jungle.” Mike returned home safely, his dashing good looks fully intact, later noting that without him, his two daughters—Susan and Julie—wouldn’t have been nearly as pretty.

Mike was an incredible mechanic and a world-class misplacer of wrenches and small tools, most of which lived permanently under cars of all makes and models. He never hesitated to help anyone who needed a hand—offering his skills, tools, advice, expertise, or simply an ice-cold drink. He could often be found driving his beloved ’38 Ford pickup or ’55 Chevy Nomad to and from car shows throughout California.

Mike and Gail shared 51 wonderful years together, filled with travel, family, and deep love, until Gail’s passing in 2009. Afterward, Mike begrudgingly learned how to use the washer and dryer and made the shocking discovery that bed sheets are not, in fact, changed by magic.

In 2015, Mike married Jing Cai, and together they enjoyed new adventures. In 2019, Mike’s travels were cut short by a tragic accident that left him a quadriplegic. Despite the devastating injury and a long recovery, Mike eventually found his way back to living life on his own terms. With an accessible van and a flamed-out motorized wheelchair, Mike was back, though the injury brought new vulnerabilities that ultimately shortened his life.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Jing; his daughters Susan (Brian) Collins and Julie (Jim) Long; and his cherished grandchildren Brooke Long, Ella Collins, and Brody Long. He will be missed by his sisters Carlene (Rich) LeFevre and Paulette (Armond) Pelissetti, along with many extended family members, friends, and grateful neighbors whose cars he once fixed.

A celebration of life will be planned shortly with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s honor to Disabled American Veterans or another organization supporting wounded warriors.