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Mike Aguilar Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mike Aguilar
Sponsored by his loving daughter, Debra and grandchild Rayna.
David Cromie
June 30, 2025
Mike Aguilar was not only my friend but also my mentor. I learned so much from him-practically everything I needed to know about shovelheads + panheads. We would spend time together about once a week, and those moments meant a lot to me. Mike knew more about Harley-Davidson motorcycles than anyone else, even the company itself!!
He was truly the best Harley-Davidson mechanic you could ever find. I am deeply grateful for all he taught me and i miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Mikey.
Dave Cromie (+ wife, Kerry)
We used to live at 11520 Jefferson Rd, Thonotosassa Fl, just around corner from Mike's bike shop, 9331 E Fowler Ave, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 due south of old Big Top Flea Market.
2 stories-high worth of motorcycle parts
David Cromie
June 30, 2025
Mike Aguilar was not only my friend but also my mentor. I learned so much from him-practically everything I needed to know about shovelheads + panheads. We would spend time together about once a week, and those moments meant a lot to me. Mike knew more about Harley-Davidson motorcycles than anyone else, even the company itself!!
He was truly the best Harley-Davidson mechanic you could ever find. I am deeply grateful for all he taught me and i miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Mikey.
Dave Cromie (+ wife, Kerry)
We used to live at 11520 Jefferson Rd, Thonotosassa Fl, just around corner from Mike's bike shop, 9331 E Fowler Ave, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 due south of old Big Top Flea Market.
2 stories-high worth of motorcycle parts
Rick's garage
Richard Lee
August 20, 2017
Mike helped me back when his shop was out behind his family home in Temple Terrace back in 1968.
He had a lot of motorcycles in a shed, dozens of springer front ends in a holding space under a tarp along with many straightleg '57 frames and so forth---all of which were amazing to me and very much the parts needed for a custom.
I was a young college boy who wanted to ride and Mike put a custom together for me.
His chief mechanic was a cool kid who rode a beautiful green chopper that was nicer than than the one Peter Fonda had in Wild Angels.
Mike later opened a huge shop out on Fletcher where "Snoopy" his personal bike held pride of place to the right of the front door as you came in. The place was the size of an aircraft hangar.
As for Mike the man himself---his smile would knock you right off your feet.
His loyalty was FIERCE.
His love of his family, his friends and his fellow bikers was legendary.
I am not sure men like Mike walk the earth any more.
Mike was like a movie star and so full of boundless energy it made the room vibrate.
I learned that it would be a waste to grow "up" and not stay true to your ideals like Mike.
I learned a man can be passionate and a successful businessman at the same time from Mike.
Mike raised the bar in general on what you could get OUT of life if you just put IN a bunch of effort.
The hard part is not having him around.
We'll do our best, Mike. You know exactly who we are and don't mind we all have our limits.
And it was an honor and a great pleasure to have hung around you.
If your family reads this my name is Rick Lee and I still ride.
Troy Cochran
April 19, 2016
I was going through some old LP's and came across the album Leaders of the Pack, I noticed the name of the motorcycle shop so I went to look it up to see if it were still open. This is when I came across your father obit, I am so sorry for you loss and my heart goes out to your family.
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Hands of Strength - Heart of Gold...That was my Dad
April 9, 2016
Me & Dad
April 9, 2016
My Dearest Dad...Ten years since you have hugged me. I miss you every day! I now am a Grandmommy and I sing my girls all the songs you once sang to me. "You are my sunshine" The Alphabet song...A you're adorable....and lovingly hear your voice in my heart. Thank you for all you gave to me as your daughter.Thank you for always loving me and calling me your Brat....The bond we had will always be and my love for you will keep you always in my heart. All the places you took me, all the things you taught me and all the love you gave me is forever like a song in my heart playing over and over in my memories. I love you Dad...FOREVER! Debbie
My Dad was a rolling stone... Cooler than cool!
Debbie Aguilar
March 24, 2015
Dad - I know you are with me although in heaven. I just wanted to tell you how proud I always was and still am to be your daughter..... I found this and wanted to add it here for memories.... The record album you were on the cover! That is just too cool and will always be there for memories....
Rayna Rhode-Maniaci
February 7, 2015
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you Papa. You were the best grandpa ever. I wish my husband and daughter could have met you and had you in their lives. I hope you are "with us" and can see this beautiful little sweet girl grow up. Love you and miss you always.
Noah - Dad & Dexter
Debbie Aguilar
July 8, 2014
Missing you Dad....
Remembering my Wonderful Dad! (Deb/2014)
Debbie Aguilar
July 8, 2014
Gail Cherry
July 17, 2006
I am so sorry and shocked to hear of your loss. I've been trying to find the Aguilar family since last year. My brother and I were childhood friends of Debbie and Sheila. I've missed them so much.
My name is Gail (Poole) Cherry and my brothers name is Bobby Poole.
We both live in Braselton, Georgia
and I would love to hear from you.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Long Lost Friend,
Gail (Poole) Cherry
Rick
April 27, 2006
Mike Aguilar should be in the dictonary next to motorcycle. He knew everything about them. Thanks Mike for the amazing stories and helping me build my first bike.
Sonny One of the Bikers
April 27, 2006
Mike fought for all us Bikers to have the world of freedom we have today! He was an ICON and a Pioneer in the world of Motorcycles. Riding in Florida was dangerous and not accepted for years. Mike went to court, fought for our rights and helped build the Motorcylcle world to make it one that is respected today. To pave the road for our children to ride safely without fear and prejudice. Once it was thought only hoodlums rode and Mike fought that! Now every breed of man & woman rides one! From The Shriners, Lawyers and Doctors to our children and we are not looked down on but looked at with respect. It didn't use to be that way. Thanks Mike from all the Bikers in Florida. You were a very fair man who went out of his way to help us all.
Jack One of the Bikers
April 27, 2006
Mike was an Artist when it came to building bikes. He used to chop harleys in his back yard before he opened his shop. Starting with a frame and building up from scratch. It was amazing to see what an Artist he was as he created each bike more stunning than the next and every one completely different. Each was an incredible work of art! From "Roustabout" to "Flying Snoopy" Even the famous, "Easy Rider" he could build anything and each one was a Masterpeice! The biker world will miss ya Mike. You were a great man.
Frank Aguilar
April 25, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Bruce & Debbie Palmer III
April 22, 2006
Mike, I remember when I first met you, the fall of 1971. I had an old Servi-Car that I had gotten running but wasn’t rideable. I bought the remains of a 45 Solo from you for $75.00 and built my first street worthy Harley. I found you to be a very fair man then and always ever since. Thank you for all of your help and kind graces. I greatly appreciate all of the times I got to spend at your shop, digging through parts and talking on the “porch.”
God bless and God’s speed to you. I trust to see you and the “Flying Snoopy” on the other side.
"Cuz'ns" Mercy & Mary
April 20, 2006
Fond as we are of our friends and loved ones, there comes at times during their absence an unexplained peace. Heaven was missing an angel and called on Mike.
Now, Mike, remember where you are. You don't have to tell ALL of the story...I'm sure they already know. ;o) The love you shared about your family and life was unmeasurable. Your strength and courage always comforting. We'll miss you swinging from a tree, hanging from the roof, or walking the yard in your "Carmen Miranda" hat.(The bandana, cap and big earphones for the radio.) You have left a legacy with all you met. Dennis Road will always have a part of Mike Aguilar. You may be missed but your spirit and love for life will always be with us. Thank you for letting us share part of your journey here on Earth. Hugs and love...your "cuz'ns from next door.
Hunter Aguilar
April 20, 2006
Papa was one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He would help me and everyone in the family with hard times. He always helped me and my 2 older brothers. He taught me how to ride a bike, play pool and to fish. I told him secrets. I had fun when he would visit. He helped the family when my Aunt Rhonda died. When he died I could not see him it was to sad I miss him so very much. If you would of met him you would of seen how nice he was. Now im just thinking of all the good times I've spent with him I'll always love and remember him.
love,
Hunter Nathen Aguilar
(12yrs old Grandson)
Charlotte Aguilar
April 20, 2006
Mike Aguilar, my prayers are with you and family . You will be missed, sorry I haven't kept in touch , but I never forgot you . God bless you all. Charlotte Aguilar Tampa, Fl
Charlotte Aguilar
April 20, 2006
To the family of Mike Aguilar,sorry to hear about Mike I have known him for many years and rode Harleys with him too, he was a fine man I will always remember him and his family . I have to say that it's been some time since I've talked with him but I never have forgotten him or his family. My prayers are with you all. Love , Charlotte Aguilar of Tampa, Fla
Anita Kessler
April 20, 2006
Aguilar Family, my thoughts & prayers are with you all . Uncle Mike will be missed. Take care. Love, Anita Kessler (Aguilar from Wyoming).
Rayna Rhode
April 17, 2006
My Dearest Papa,
I am so sorry to lose you and I will miss you for the rest of my life. I am sad for the time that you spent suffering here on earth, and take comfort in knowing that you do not have to struggle through every day the way that you did in the end. I am also sad that when finally do have a family of my own, they will never have had the opportunity to have met you and have gotten to know what a wonderful man I had in my life.
There will not be a day that goes by that I will not think of you. Some of the things that will bring a smile to my face in loving memory of you are: the way you used to sing your oldies and love songs, walking into your home and seeing you sit in your chair, the days you used to play your organ, the knowledge that at EVERY family gathering you would break out the camera and tripod, watching you do your morning workout routine, the cute and playful ways that you showed affection to Ganny (your sweetheart), the unity that you always tried to bring to our family even during times of conflict, the unconditional love and support you showed me even when I thought I was not doing something perfectly, watching you drive in your blue “flying snoopy” van, the sound of your voice every year when singing me Happy Birthday, and the fact that everyone who knew you outside of the family knew you for being such an honest and good-natured man.
I am glad to know that you can now enjoy the world around you without suffering to remain in it. I am also happy to know that you are now reunited with the loved ones that we have lost along the way. I love you very much and look forward to the day that I get to see you again.
Love Always,
Your Granddaughter
Rayna Marie
Aguilar Daughters
April 16, 2006
DAD - WE DEARLY LOVE YOU - FOREVER
Dad we'll always think of you and see you when we see
Bonanza, Loren Greene always looked like you to me
Cowboys, Indians & Westerns on TV
Gene Autry, the old TV shows, Ricky & Lucy
Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra too
All those old songs you sang to us & some we sang with you
Every time we hear a Harley, what a wonderful sound
Thinking back on all the times on one we rode around
Every Biker, leather jacket, motorcycle that we see
Will remind us of the shop, a motorcycle family
Tools and Sears and Home Depot
You're the most incredible handy man we'll ever know
Just like Jesus a carpenter through out the lands
You could make it, build it, fix it, invent it
You could do anything with your hands
Those strong hands of strength & sweet heart of gold
Yet tender enough with daughters to hold
Orange Nehi, Pepsi Cola, Lorna Doones & Mountain Dew
Cuban bread dipped in coffee, cuban sandwiches & devil crabs with you
Spanish culture, like talking with your hands, The Silver Ring & Ybor City
Olive skin and dark brown eyes, Spanish made us pretty
From the causeway to California, all the trips we took
All the memories in our hearts & photos,
thank goodness we have them in a book
Yellow Stone & redwood trees, bears and birds & even bees
Lowry Park, Safety Village & even Disney Land
All the places that you took us hand in hand
We learned so much from all those trips,
more than you'll ever know
They taught us all about life and really helped us grow
Dad you gave so much, so many things just knowing you
All we learned from a loving Dad just from the things we'd see you do
Our Independent ways of steel, to be ourselves, to know truth, what's real
To stand up strong with all our might,
be heard and fight for all that's right
Your funny personality, a gift you gave us there and finding good in every one, kindness
and how to share
You taught us we could do anything, and any one we could be
To do our very best would always be the key
You gave us talents, taught us things and mostly gave your heart
So many things, so much love that we'll never be apart
We love you deeply dad, with all our heart & soul, and even though you're in heaven now we will still always be whole
Thank you Dad for every thing, especially our bond of love
A bond so strong it reaches you in heaven up above
We'll love you and miss you every second of the day and remember how you lived on earth and always did it your own way
When God opens up the pearly gates and as each time one of us will go
You'll be there to guide us, this we all know
and as we come to heaven and take your hand once again
we know we'll be together, forever for with God there is no end.
Your Loving Daughters
here on Earth
Penny Aguilar
April 14, 2006
Daddy
I am not sure where you are and what is going on, I just know that I miss you and want you to come back home to me. I knew something was wrong Sunday morning as I can sense those things you know, and Momma confirmed that when she began crying and called those people in the white coats to come and help you. I wanted to stay by your side, but Momma put me outside where I play so I would not get hurt or get in the way.
I waited all day for your return, but Momma came home without you, why? I just don’t understand this! I searched the entire house room-by-room, but you were nowhere to be found. I jumped in your chair and waited for a long time, but still no Daddy. I decided to sit on Momma’s lap because she seemed very sad. We finally went to bed and it was way past my bedtime. I crawled in next to Momma and reluctantly went night-night without you.
It has been several days and I am still looking all over for you Daddy. I wondered if I had done something wrong? I feel sad and confused because you have never left me like this before. I spend a lot of time with my nose buried in your chair where I can still smell your scent. My sister gave me the shirt you wore last which still retains your scent, so I cuddle-up in it and it makes me feel a little bit better because it seems like you are with me. I am very loyal to you Daddy and I always will be.
I have been listening to Momma and all of my sisters talking about you and I think I figured out that you have gone to be with God at the BIG DOG HOUSE in the sky. Now don’t you worry, I will take good care of Momma and continue to take pride in guarding our home. I will continue to walk laps around the house each day to stay in shape just the way you taught me, but will miss you at my side. I miss the daily massages you gave me, our naps together and play time too. One thing is for sure… You are the best Daddy anyone could ever ask for and I will always love you. Please save me a place next to you so when my time comes we can continue where we left off…TOGETHER.
Your Obedient, Loyal and Loving Dog,
Penny
Butch Gunderson
April 14, 2006
I have known Mike for many years and he will always have a special place in my heart. He was a true friend and a great father-in-law. He was always there in time of need and willing to lend a helping hand regardless of what was asked of him. He was a man of many unique qualities, which few men will ever possess. Everyone who knew him admired Mike. He was a dedicated family man and was very proud of all of them. I will miss him in so many ways it is hard to put into words. I lost a great friend and I will always keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Until we me again Mike, you will always be with me.
Your son-in-law,
BUTCH
Jack / Pat Leventry
April 14, 2006
Mike has been our friend for over 25 years, he was a true friend and will not be forgotten. He was always ready to help in any way he could. He was more than willing to share his “Harley’ knowledge with anyone, but you had to get that knowledge between noon and five pm on Fridays, or noon and three pm on Saturday . While most people work an eight hour day, Mike thought an eight hour week was sufficent .
At five pm on Friday,Mike was ready to lock the shop,and go to dinner with us. We have had dinner with Mike And Bev more Fridays than not for the last 20 years, even as late as the last Friday before his passing.
Jack and I even toured part of Europe with Mike and Bev . It was one of the best and most enjoyable vacations we ever had.
We will surely miss Mike but we will never forget him.
Glenda Gunderson
April 14, 2006
Daddy:
Opening the paper and seeing your picture in the obituary this morning was extremely difficult. You are dearly missed.
Even though I know you are with God and without pain or suffering, it pains me not to see you sitting in your favorite chair with your sweet little Dog Penny. I miss your jokes and stories from the old days. I miss practicing my Spanish with you, I miss your smile. I miss you Daddy.
Your First Born Daughter...
Glenda
Debra Aguilar
April 14, 2006
HANDS OF STRENGTH - HEART OF GOLD
I was so very blessed to be his daughter. I was his little side kick from the time I first saw his loving face. As he built our 1st home, I was at his side, in the truck to the lumber yard, on the roof handing him nails. He could build anything, make anything, fix anything with his hands. Such a strong man yet so tender and loving with a big heart of gold.
From the time I was able to walk I was on a Harley with him, while he worked so hard to build a shop to do what he so loved to do, chop Harleys. What wonderful fun memories for me.
He made everyone laugh with a grand personality always cutting up and finding something funny in everything.
He had vision and told me you could be anything or have anything if you put your heart into it. He had a strong faith and knew that God was always there. He had a good and kind heart and helped everyone.
My Dad was a man who never saw indifference in any one. Color, race it didn't matter and he never knew a stranger, he was a friend to all. He will always be my HERO, the greatest man I ever knew on Earth. He was the best Dad anyone could have wished for. I will miss him every second until I see him in Heaven. I love you Dad forever and ever and ever... Thank you God for letting him be my Father. What a wonderful gift you gave us both.
Your loving daughter
Debbie
Steve and Linda Stone
April 14, 2006
Some of our fondest memories of Mike are the stories of his childhood. He told them in a way that made you want to go back in time so you could be with him there.
Mike and Bev have been our dear friends for many years. There aren't enough words to express our sympathy for Bev and their family. Mike was a great friend, a wonderful personality, an eternal optimist and we will miss him every day.
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