Michael A. Fernandes

1957 - 2017

Michael A Fernandes

October 12, 1957

January 1, 2017

Journeyed on his way home January 1, 2017. He was 59. He had a short battle with MDS, a type of blood cancer that he didn't let rule him, rather he took the reins and lived the remainder of his life the way he wanted it, in typical Mike fashion.

He worked at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Sparks Hospital, Delta Rubber and Renown South Meadows and Rehabilitation Center.

Never one to slow down he kept his routine as normal as possible. He was the neighborhood "Bike Repair Guy" helping as many as he could get back to the sport that he enjoyed. He loved to manufacture his own bikes and over the years put together quite a number of one-off creations, from tall bikes, short bikes, tandem bikes, chopper bikes and lots of unique ones only he could create. He was quite the "GO TO" guy for Burning Man bikes and during the year spent his time acquiring and then flipping bikes to fellow burners at nominal prices. He wasn't one to gauge burners because of the supply in demand and truly felt happiness in sharing someone's excitement in his unique bikes. He got to the point he had cards made and was special requested from places all over the US and the world, including Israel, France, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Turkey, Australia, etc. It was always a blast to extend our family to all these new Burner Friends. He absolutely lived for Burning Man and we're glad that we got to participate in as many as we did. To him it was his once-a-year cleansing "Ohm" moment to be at peace with himself and one and all. Nothing out there compares to Burning Man as he felt so strongly.

He also loved to wrench and race his Mopars. He had a white '65 Valiant that he'd take down the quarter mile at Fernley and he and I would trade weekends when I could race my '67 Barracuda. He was such a well-rounded, kind, compassionate and giving person, always willing to lend a hand no matter what the issue or cause, he'd jump right in.

I have to personally thank all those who made him as comfortable as possible including the 3rd floor doctors, nurses, cna's, etc at the Roseview Tower in Renown, Renown Hospice, Renown transfusion services and the Cancer Care Specialists docs. You all made a difference in his care.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Rochelle, brother Anthony and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Keone, dad Alex, mom Rose and brother Alex Jr.

At his request there will be no services. He volunteered at the Kiwanis Bike Project to help them whatever way he could. To make a memorial donation please send it to: Kiwanis Bike Program, 145 Catron Drive, Reno, NV 89512

I'll meet you in that "Great Bike Repair Shop in the Sky" and one day we'll go for that ride we always wanted to take. I'll love you forever and always.