Michael Mendizabal Obituary

Born in San Francisco, California to parents Seferino MendizÃ¡bal and Mari Lorono MendizÃ¡bal. He was the middle child of their three sons. The family moved to the Saratoga/Los Gatos area where they worked with the Jesuits at Sacred Heart Novitiate and Alma College. The Mendizabals contributed to the rich heritage of Almaden Vineyards and the deep agricultural history of the Santa Clara Valley. Mike was a proud graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory and attended San Jose State University. He served in the army, in Okinawa, after the Korean War as a Chaplain's Assistant. Mike worked in the Survey Section of Santa Clara County. He was a Survey Party Chief and was an active union representative in Local 715 before retiring in 1996, after 31 years of public service. Mike was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed all the arts. He especially enjoyed working with people, good food, and good friends. Mike was a sports enthusiast who attended countless events to root his son on in football. Mike was extremely proud of his Spanish-Basque heritage and enjoyed sharing his culture and love of family with everyone. Mike will be forever loved and remembered for his good nature, great sense of humor, story-telling, generosity, patient instruction, and kindheartedness. Mike was a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend of many. He is survived by his children, Reymond and wife Jacqueline, Oona and Louie, and Yvonne and husband Mike. Also survived by beloved mother, Mari MendizÃ¡bal; brother Bob and wife Linda; his sister-in-law Bette; and adored grandchildren, Simone and Nicholas. Also survived by nephews and nieces: Michael (Nancy), Michelle (Mark), Marisa (Hector), Matthew (Kim), Marcos, Greg (Jenny), Anisa (Karen); and great nephews and nieces: Nicole (Emo), Christopher (Claire), Jacqueline, Mari, Kira and Alexa. He will be missed by his many friends worldwide including the Santa Rosa coffee shop group and beloved Mary Biagini with her children Carlo, Michael (Andrea), Becky (Paul), and Mary's grandchildren Jessica, Meagan, Lilly, Jake, Alex and Belle. Please join our family to celebrate Mike's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice. The service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 2323 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA. All are invited to a reception immediately following the service.

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Published by Press Democrat from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mendizabal

5 Entries

Kay Erickson

October 27, 2024

Oh my goodness, Mike, how many wonderful memories there are to remind me of our friendship. Bob Baisa always brought me to your lovely home and you were the King of that kitchen and the master cook. Thanking you seems to be appropriate again today for all the great laughs and fun Bob and I had with you. Sadly, Bob has also passed on, but the two of you are surely talking and laughing together up in heaven. Missing you so much! Kay Erickson

Jackie Mendizabal

November 24, 2010

Papa, I will miss you. The world doesn't seem right without you in it.
You had such a zest for life and the ability to befriend anyone. There is nobody like you, you are one of a kind and will always be remembered.

Kay Erickson

November 14, 2010

I will always remember Mike for his generosity and loving nature to all his friends. As a guest in his home, I experienced his love for his family and his love of cooking and showing his guests a wonderful time. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family and friend, Mary.

November 2, 2010

Mike was a dear friend of the Baisa family and he felt like family. I can remember one cold foggy day Mike

Diana Garcia

November 2, 2010

I am so sad to see Mike gone. He's a longtime friend of the family and like a second father to me. My father was his friend for 52 years. I'll miss my dad saying, "Let's invite Mike!" to whatever we happened to be doing. I love his laughter; jokes; constant smile; and twinkle in his eye. Mike always made whatever we were doing more fun and I always looked forward to his visits. I feel like a constant positive force in my life is gone, but I have very fond memories of him.

My best to all his family,
(Ram's daughter)

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