Michael Dayle Senneff

1941 - 2023

Michael Dayle Senneff
Michael Dayle (Mike) Senneff passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on February 22, 2023.
Mike was a devoted family man, an influential community contributor, and a legendary trial lawyer.
Born to Clayton Dayle Senneff and Willa Travis Oglevie in Minneapolis, MN on October 19, 1941, Mike grew up in Carmichael, CA between his two brothers, the late Ronald (Casey) of Stagecoach, NV and Gary of Santa Rosa.
Mike graduated as student body president from La Sierra High School in Carmichael and received a B.A. in Economics from the University of San Francisco. He received an LL.B. (now a J.D.) from USF's School of Law, where he was a member of its honor society and a founding member of its Law Review. While in college he married Joyce Arlene Atkinson, with whom he shared son Christopher (Chris) and daughter Kathryn (Katie).
After he and Joyce divorced, Mike married Margaret Parsons Beach. Mike and Margaret remained devoted to each other throughout their 50-year marriage. Together they raised four children: Andrea Beach; Chris, Katie, and Marian Senneff; and were the delighted grandparents of six.
Mike's legal career in Sonoma County was unparalleled. After graduating from law school in the top 5 of his class he was chosen to clerk for The Honorable Bruce R. Thompson, US District Court Judge for the District of Nevada. That opportunity permitted Mike to observe trial court lawyering and judging at the highest level, an experience that set him on the path to his own excellence.
In 1968, Mike moved to Sonoma County where he began putting down roots in the community as a trial attorney for the Sonoma County Public Defender's Office, in 1969 as an associate in the Spridgen, Barrett, Achor, Luckhardt, Anderson & James firm, and in 1971 as an associate and later partner in the firm of Ryersen, Comstock & Senneff.
His reputation as a major trial presence continued to grow from then, and on December 1, 1978, aged 37, he opened his own law office. The firm of Senneff, Bernheim, Emery & Kelly was the foundation of Mike's career as one of Sonoma County's top civil trial litigators for the next three decades. The later years of his career were marked by a long and happy partnership with Bonnie Hamilton and Marshall Bluestone.
Mike represented individuals, corporations, government entities, school districts, and many others with equal vigor and skill. He was a compassionate, attentive, and reassuring presence in the lives of those most in need of his assistance. His demeanor in and out of the courtroom projected strength, conviction, and respect. Judges and juries loved him. Mike treated his opponents with respect and more often than not left them as friends, no matter the outcome of the case.
Mike's skills as a trial lawyer were widely recognized. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and also of the American Board of Trial Advocates. The Sonoma County Bar Association awarded him both its Career of Distinction award and the Michael F. O'Donnell Civility Award. He strongly embraced the role of mentor to associates and new attorneys, which led to his being a founding member of the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court.
While building a formidable career, Mike deepened his roots in our community by serving on the planning commissions for Sonoma County and the City of Santa Rosa. He co-chaired the Sonoma County Open Space Reauthorization campaign, and twice chaired the Santa Rosa's Charter Review/Revision Committee. He was an ardent supporter of the Sonoma County Family YMCA, serving on its board for 40 years, and for several years as board president. He also supported Becoming Independent and Social Advocates for Youth, among other nonprofit organizations.
Remarkably, Mike achieved his many successes after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 35. Against all odds, he fought off the disease for over 40 years, believing firmly that his vigorous daily exercise kept the MS at bay. Because of his iron will and the example set by his dear friend at USF's School of Law, Bruce J. Diaso, Mike never complained, avoided an obligation, or made an excuse. He simply refused to let the disease determine the course of his life.
Being a lawyer was an important part of who Mike was, but there was so much more. He had a dry sense of humor, loved to laugh, and enjoyed the idiosyncrasies of those around him. He could be stubborn, but he was very comfortable expressing strongly held opinions and was always up for a lively exchange of ideas. He studied classical piano for ten years, starting at age 50. His enjoyment of the outdoors included tending his home's landscaping with pride. He was a history buff and avid reader of presidential and judicial biographies.
Mike was an athlete his entire life. In high school he lettered in football and baseball, played American Legion baseball, and was scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. In college he competed in gymnastics. As an adult, during the work week he would take a noontime run out of the YMCA with his buddies, eventually working his way up to running 10k and marathon foot races. He loved downhill skiing and drove up to the mountains whenever he could. When MS ended his running days, he turned to his local health club for daily exercise, where he was a fixture in spin class and swimming laps with his dear friend, Dr. Scott Chilcott. He also had a 20-year yoga practice with his beloved teacher, Clare Venet.
Every summer for 20 years, he took challenging, cross-country backpacking trips with Scott and a group of friends who called themselves the "Gnarly Dudes." Some of their destinations included the high Sierras, British Columbia, and twice above the Arctic Circle, in Alaska and in the Northwest Territories. The backpacking trips were also where he developed a talent for and love of photography.
Mike Senneff will be remembered as a true gentleman. Professionally, he was without peer. Personally he was a friend, a guide, and an inspiration. He was a quietly kind and generous man, who assisted and supported many without seeking thanks or notice. Mike will be missed, but never replaced, in the hearts of friends and family.
Mike is survived by his wife Margaret; children Andrea Beach of Santa Rosa, Chris Senneff of Fairmont, MN, and Katie Gomon and Marian Senneff of Santa Rosa; younger brother Gary Senneff of Santa Rosa; and six grandchildren: Pearl Knarr, Aidan Gomon, and Jenna Gomon of Santa Rosa; and Jacob Hughes and Daniel and Matthew Senneff of Fairmont, MN; and by his faithful Canine Companion, Junibee.
We, his family, are deeply moved by all who have shown so much love and admiration for Mike. We're most grateful to his caregiving and hospice teams, especially Epeli Tagicakibau, who cared for Mike with grace and kindness for four years.
If you can, please consider donating in Mike's name to the Sonoma County Family YMCA (www.scfymca.org/donate), the Bruce J. Diaso Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of San Francisco School of Law (www.givecampus.com/campaigns/7449/donations/new?amt=250.00), and Canine Companions (www.canine.org/donate/).
Following a private interment for family, we look forward to celebrating Mike's life with his friends and beloved community later in the spring. Details will be announced when the plans are finalized.
As we all learn to navigate this world without him, we hope you'll honor Mike by doing what he did to make our community such a nice place in which to live: Give a smile and a friendly "hello" to everyone you pass; chat with people you meet in everyday situations; work hard; disagree civilly; get outside; skinny dip; teach your children to dance the polka; run through Annadel up to Lake Ilsanjo, swim across it, and run back down again; howl at the full moon; do more.