Michael J. Valencia

Michael Joseph Valencia peacefully passed away at his home on January 2, 2025. He was surrounded by his family, close friends, music and champagne... exactly how he would have wanted.

Michael was born on August 16, 1950 in Bemidji, Minnesota to Joseph and Elaine Valencia. Along with his parents he was greeted in heaven by his siblings, Stephen & Kim. He is survived by his high-school sweetheart, Ginger. They were married 49 years and together raised three children: Lauren, Rachelle & Scott. Mike was proud to be Father-in-Law to Tim, Justin and Ashlee. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Grayson, Colton, Sawyer, Blake, Dylan, Teagan & Carter... being their Babo was the greatest joy of his life. Michael is also survived by his sister's Wendi Shively & Lee Ann O'Brien and was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Michael graduated from Capuchino High School in 1968, San Francisco State University in 1973 and earned his law degree at San Francisco Law School in 1977. Michael worked his way through college and law school. While working towards his degree he started his own business, "Rembrandt Painting Company". He painted houses and buildings during the day and went to school at night.

His career began in South San Francisco working for attorney Tom Galan, but the bulk of his career was spent in San Bruno at the Law Offices of Ross, Hackett, Dowling, Valencia & Walti. Mike, Don and Paul spent decades working alongside each other and serving the community they loved. Mike served as President of the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association in 1993. He was President of the SSF Chamber of Commerce multiple times and was awarded Member of the Year in 1985 and the Dick Noftsger Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He also served on the County Bar Board of Directors for four years. Retirement was never a reality he fully entertained - He loved helping people and had an innate ability to always know what to do.

Outside of his law career Mike was a proud member of Emerald Lake Country Club for 30 years, where he served on the Board of Directors as Secretary and pro bono attorney. Mike loved being a part of the ELCC community and hosted the annual Father's Day pancake breakfast for many years.

Michael's life was so full, and he was so full of life. He was often heard saying "I am so blessed... we are so blessed!" Family-comes-first is a value he has instilled in his children and is a strong part of his legacy. He loved spending time with his loved ones, cooking, dancing, laughing, traveling and celebrating life. Whatever the invitation - a baseball game, a big vacation, or just dinner with the kids... Mike's response was always "I'm in!"

Michael had friendships lasting from grammar school, clients who he considered great friends and neighbors who became family. He gave the best speeches and toasts, told the "best" jokes, was a great storyteller and could beat anyone in "naming that tune". Mike was a devoted family man, lifelong-friend, problem-solver, and a beloved Babo. He was incredibly loved and will be greatly missed by all.

Relatives and close friends may reach out to the family or firm for details on Michael's Celebration of Life.