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Michael Kelly Garner
Michael Kelly Garner
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Michael Garner Obituary
Michael's irrepressible sense of humor, comedic powers of observation, and keen impersonations, entertained a myriad of friends and family throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Born in 1952 in San Francisco, CA, he was the third child of Bill and Justine Garner's six children. He loved "Herb Caen's San Francisco" where he graduated from San Francisco State University and served in the SF Police Dept. for several years. He was an avid and life-long fan of the SF 49ers & SF Giants.
Following his marriage to Patty, the couple moved to Lodi, CA where they raised their treasured son, Patrick. Watching Patrick growing up, playing HS football, becoming an Eagle Scout, and graduating from University of Oregon, following his Army service in Afghanistan, provided Mike with deeply proud and satisfying moments. Attending Patrick's 2021 wedding to Mollie in Kauai was a joyful experience.
Michael maintained a loyal and loving group of friends from his earliest days at Garces High School, Bakersfield, CA.; also from the SFPD and from his work at Agribag, Oakland, CA, in Lodi and the Central Valley. His dear friends offered invaluable love and support throughout his illness.
Michael is survived by his beloved son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Mollie. He is also survived by his caring former wife, Patty (Rex Starr) and by his devoted siblings, Kathy Dykstra (George), Marianne, Peter (Kelly), Matthew (Hollie) & Will and by many loving nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful to Michael's good friend, Rich Romo, who was steadfast in his efforts to raise Mike's spirits during his illness.
A private family memorial will take place at a later time.
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Pat OB O´Brien
January 29, 2024
Mike send some heavenly mojo to the Niners! I know you´re leading the cheers for a Super Bowl win with fellow past tense fans.
Ed Rodriguez & Family
August 2, 2023
So sorry to hear about Mike. Had great times at Co. A; and all the side trips. Will miss his sense of humor. He'll be in our prayers.
Darrell Feliz
June 7, 2023
Michael Kelly Garner was the best of friends!
I had the pleasure to meet and grow up with Mike from kindergarten thru high school.
We lived just a few blocks apart
when it was safe to run the neighbor hood like you own it.
Mike started his comic routines about 4th or 5th grade, with his "Grocho Marks" stunts, he loved the attention and made everyone laugh.
Later he developed more imitations of Richard Nixon, John F Kennedy, Tom Jones and on and on. Music was next, his ability to drum or mimic any band that played at Woodstock was unbelievable. I think he sat in front of a mirror to practice facial expressions of the people he felt worthy to be in his stage act.
One day at my house shooting hoops my older brother named him "Brillo" because of his the length of his curly hair, nick name stuck.
The stories are endless and always with funny endings.
There will never be another
"Brillo" I miss him he was my bestest of buddy´s
Darrell the Barrell
Chris Liang
June 6, 2023
Mike taught me and helped me so much over the years we worked together, he made a big impact on me and my whole family.
His humor and sarcasm will be missed but never forgotten. I will always remember you, Mike, thanks for all you did for us.
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Patrice Persel
June 5, 2023
I loved hanging with Michael (Brillo) at Bakersfield College. I cherish his memory and all the laughs we shared!! I am sending love to the family and his dear friends.
Mike will be deeply missed!
Lynn (McCaffrey) LeBeau
June 5, 2023
My condolences to the Garner family. Mike was friendly and open to everyone. May he rest in peace.
Scott McArthur
June 4, 2023
Mike was a loving, humorous and energetic person. I shared many happy moments with Mike that will hold a special place in my mind and heart.
marianne garner
June 4, 2023
Michael's school portrait, Our Lady Of Perpetual Help School, Bakersfield, CA
Marianne Garner
June 4, 2023
John Boro
June 4, 2023
Condolences to the Garner family. RIP Mike
Dave Davis
June 4, 2023
I met Mike in 1994 through his brother Pete. Mike was always full of energy and ready to laugh and do one of his right-on-the money celebrity impersonations, such as Sammy Davis Jr., Muhammad Ali, John Wayne, etc.. As he and I both were the same age, we always had fun yelling out "Class of 70" and high fiving whenever we saw each other. Mike will be very much missed but never forgotten. RIP Mike.......
Rich Romo
June 3, 2023
I met Mike Garner in 1969 when I transferred from Bakersfield High to Garces High School. We became friends almost instantly and remained so through all of these years. Mike was friendly, courageous, loyal, hardworking, and most notably the funniest guy I've ever met. He could light up a room and "get the party started" within minutes of showing up. He handled his health issues with bravery and grace and never complained at all. His parents and 5 siblings are some of the finest people I know and have treated me like part of their family. I already miss him tremendously but am relieved that he is no longer suffering and is certainly at peace in God's loving arms. Until we meet again Bro...your friend for life, Romundo!
Rich Romo
June 3, 2023
Mike Garner and I met when I transferred from Bakersfield HS to Garces HS in 1969. We became best friends almost instantly and remained so all of these years. Mike was indeed, a very special one-of-a-kind person. Courageous, big-hearted, kind, loyal, but most of all the funniest guy I have ever met! He could captivate an entire room or space instantly. His impersonations were second to none. He has always had my back and I his. He handled his many health issues without complaining and with grace, right up to the end. There will never be another like him. I already miss him deeply but am so happy he is finally at peace, out of pain and with God! See you in heaven Bro...Romundo
marianne garner
June 3, 2023
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