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Michael J. BEARD

Michael BEARD Obituary

BEARD, Michael J.
July 3, 1949 - Jan. 8, 2012.
Michael passed doing what he loved, riding his bike with friends. A fourth generation resident of Sacramento, he graduated with honors from UC Davis as a Mechanical Engineer and served his country from 1971-72 as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda and Malaysia teaching mathematics and science.
He was previously married to Judy Karas when they both served in The Peace Corps. Upon returning to the USA, Michael obtained a secondary teaching credential but entered a career in the dairy industry. Working for Crystal Cream and Butter Company from 1974-2007, he began as a plant employee and retired as Vice President of Operations. Those who worked with him greatly valued his leadership and expertise.
Preceded in death by his father, Robert Beard, Michael is survived by his mother, Anne Beard, his sister, Jeanette Woodward (David), his brother, William Beard, nieces, Lacie and Monica, nephew Tim, and long time companion Beth Byer. Michael's wonderful mind, huge heart and loyal friendship will be missed dearly by his extended loving family and friends. His love for travel, reading, hiking and biking was second to his love of sharing good times with friends and family. Since retiring in 2007, Michael donated much of his time to volunteering. He valued education and had a great desire to share his knowledge with children in need of encouragement.
A celebration of Michael's life will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento or a charity of your choice. Neil Young's 'It's better to burn out than fade away' was a favorite of Michael's, it was how he lived his life and left us- too soon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jan. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael BEARD

14 Entries

Brett Shanley

May 18, 2012

He was one of my dad's best friends from high school. In addition to hooking me up with my first job (at Crystal), I never knew Mike to be anything but a very kind, brilliant man. He will be very missed in my house.

Karen Kelley

February 29, 2012

My heart goes out to all of those people who knew and loved Michael. His great personality and wit will dearly be missed. I have many fond memories of Michael's great cooking, sharing the holidays with his wonderful family and the many great vacations that he shared with my sister. He was a fabulous influence on my sister introducing her to jogging, backpacking, biking and cross-country skiing. I look forward to sharing with his many friends and relatives the celebration of life for Michael.

February 18, 2012

So sorry to hear about Mike. He was a good man and funny too! Always treated me well. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. Mike Lorenzo

carol ash

January 30, 2012

my condolences goes out to mikes mother family and friends . i worked at vita freze for 20 years mike was a great boss man and friend.he will be missed by so many people and friends

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mel standiford

January 28, 2012

I worked with mike when he was the head man of vita freze, I feel it was a great honor to work with him!!!I still hold him in a of high respect after 3o years at the plant he will always be the man I hold as my BOSS.I know he will be missed in so many was!!!

Duane Bender

January 23, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing, and my heart goes out to his family and friends who have suffered this untimely loss. Mike was a great friend in high school, and I know he remained such to all who were close to him in later life.

January 23, 2012

MY CONDOLENCES' TO MIKE'S FAMILY' I HAD WORKED WITH MIKE FOR 15 YRS. AT VITAFREZE''HE WAS ALWAYS A FAIR MAN' AND A GREAT MANGER.I WAS OUT OF WORK'AND HE GAVE ME THE CHANCE TO CHANGE MY LIFE! WHEN HE HIRED ME.THANK YOU MIKE. BOB BURNS...

Brian Schatzman

January 23, 2012

My condolences to Mike's family and friends and especially Beth. I worked for/with Mike for 13 years and truly appreciated his compassionate leadership not to mention his sardonic sense of humor. Mike was a special boss/friend!

January 23, 2012

My condolences to all of Mikes survivors and many friends. Although I live in Massachusetts I met Mike as Beth is my daughter and they had a great relationship- sharing their love of hiking, camping, dogs etc. I'll always remember enjoying the best macaroni and cheese Mike made. He was an accomplished cook and will be sorely missed. Bob Byer

Paul Burnham

January 23, 2012

I'm going to miss Mike. My condlences to his family and Beth. I've known MIke since 7th grade at Barrett. He impressed me back then. We were on opposing football teams in P.E. Nobody on my team could catch him. He was a great athlete, and a genuine individual. There was no pretense with Mike. He was a good friend at Del Campo as well. For all who knew Mike, a part of our past is now gone. But the memories remain. Thank heaven for those and the priveledge to have known him and called him friend.
-Paul Burnham, Citrus Heights, CA.

BOB PELTIER

January 23, 2012

MY CONDOLENCES TO MIKE'S FAMILY ! I ENJOYED KNOWING MIKE AND HIS FATHER FOR MANY YEARS AT CRYSTAL CREAMERY, HE WAS
QUITE A GUY AND WILL BE REMEMBERED BY ALL THAT HAD THE PRIVLEDGE OF KNOWING HIM.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE , MY FRIEND !

Judi Gates

January 22, 2012

My condolences to the entire family. Mike was a very special man who will be deeply missed.

Steve Goldblatt

January 22, 2012

Mike was one of my best friends at Del Campo HS. I'm very sad. My condolences to his family.

Bill Willock

January 22, 2012

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a contemporary, coworker, and a friend. We shared much during our days at Crystal. I will always remember his quick wit and sense of humor. I know he will be missed by all who know him.

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