Michael Jesus "Mike" Amarillas

Miguel Jesus "Mike" Amarillas
April 21, 1943 - December 2, 2023
Our beloved Miguel Jesus "Mike" Amarillas sadly left us on December 2, 2023. His eighty years of life were filled with family, friends, and rich experiences. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Mike was born in Sonora, Mexico on April 21, 1943 to the union of Miguel F. "Papachito" and Rogelia A. "Mama" Amarillas. He came to the United States as a boy and his family settled in Calexico, California. Mike attended Calexico High School, where he played multiple sports and began lifelong friendships with many of his fellow "Bulldogs." He graduated in 1962 and relocated to San Diego along with his first daughter, Elizabeth; his second daughter, Yvone was born shortly thereafter. San Diego County remained his home for all the rest of his life. It was there that he met his loving wife, Rosa Lee, and his son Michael J. was born.
Mike was strong in his Catholic faith. Over the decades he was a devoted member of several local parishes, including St. Gabriel's in Poway and later San Rafael in Rancho Bernardo; he served in the Knights of Columbus until his passing. Mike found business success in automotive sales and real estate, but always had a passion for the culinary world - in the nineties he built a popular Mexican restaurant that he named after his father. He valued community connections and worked with the Rancho Bernardo High School Foundation for many years. Later in life, Mike acted as a loyal and steadfast caregiver to his wife when her health began to deteriorate. He was a martial arts practitioner, an avid golfer, and fervent fan of San Diego's sports teams. Mike had a unique sense of humor that he carried with him throughout his entire life. He always would try to put a smile on someone's face and he would have hoped you'll smile as you remember him.
Left to cherish Mike's memory are: his wife, Rosa Lee Amarillas; his daughter, Elizabeth Kern; his daughter Yvone Callan and her husband Dave; his son Michael J. Amarillas and his wife Brianna; his sister Annie Wilson and her husband Al; his sister Luly Ramirez and her husband Danny; his sister Yoli Vindiola and her husband Rigo; his grandchildren Blake, Miles, and Erin; his many nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends.
The Rosary will be said for him at 10:00AM on December 12, 2023 at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 13734 Twin Peaks Rd, Poway, CA 92064. A funeral mass will be held in the same location at 10:30AM, followed by a reception.