Mike Pimentel

Mike Lopez Pimentel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend left to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 1, 2009 after a sudden illness. Mike was born on Oct. 27, 1943 in Tulare and attended Tulare schools. Upon leaving school, Mike went to work as a bricklayer and eventually became a journeyman mason for 30 years. His legacy will be enjoyed by the numerous buildings, homes, schools, state and federal facilities and countless other structures his hands built throughout this area. Mike loved to work and had extensive knowledge in that field of construction. Mike always said his buildings would last forever. One of Mike's favorite past times was playing his guitar and singing with his friends. Anytime he had the opportunity he would grab his guitar, pull of a chair and play a tune. Oldies were his favorite songs to play and sing whether he knew the words or not Mike would play and sing. Mike also loved being with his friends and playing in a band for parties and family celebrations. Mike loved to travel and one of his favorite destination was going to Mexico to visit family and friends, or just to get away and relax. He was also an avid Raider fan, win or lose or tie. Mike was as loyal a fan as ever. Mike is preceded in death by his wife, of 39 years, Vivian Pimentel, his parents, Manuel and Carmen Pimentel of Tulare and is mother, Adela Rodriguez of Fresno; his brothers: Manuel, Phillip, and Ronnie Pimentel, Ray Silva and sister, Reyna Renteria all of Tulare. Mike is survived by his step father, Raymond Rodriguez. His brothers Michael Aguila, Nick, Jack, and Alex Pimentel and Jesse Gonzalez all of Tulare; sisters: Helen Maldonaldo, Stella Grijalva, Emily Grijalva, Mary Diaz all of Fresno; Linda Reyes, Dorothy Merriweather, Virginia Flores, Rachel Lizardo and Norma Pimentel all of Tulare. Mike had four children, Stephanie Reini of Morgan HIll, Mike Jr., Mark and Melinda Pimentel of Tulare. Mike has three grandchildren, Sabrina Quintanilla of Tulare, Kenneth Reini of Savannah, GA and Mark Pimentel Jr. of Tulare. His aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and so many other family members and friends who loved him and will always cherish their times together with him. Viewing will be held Wed., Jan. 7th from 12-6 p.m. at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Wed,, Jan 7th at the chapel. A funeral mass will be celebrated, Thurs., Jan 8 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 954 So. O St., Tulare with burial following at the North Tulare Cemetery.