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Mike Gamboa Obituary

GAMBOA, MIKE Mike Gamboa, date of birth December 1957 to November 2003, born and raised in La Jolla, California. Owner of Gamboa ' s Gardening Service. He died in a tragic accident in Ensenada on November 21, 2003. He is survived by wife Leslie; daughter Briana; son Andre; mother Lupe; sisters Laura and Maria and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was well known and loved by many in the La Jolla community. He was a devoted husband, father and son. He was an avid surfer, golfer and motorcycle enthusiast. He loved life and lived it to the fullest and will be sorely missed. A rosary is planned at El Camino Chapel in Pacific Beach at 4:00 pm on November 26, 2003. Funeral services will take place at La Jolla Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 28, 2003 at 10:00 am. Following funeral Services there will be a private interrment.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

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

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 26, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Mike Gamboa

16 Entries

Anne Hagata

December 4, 2003

Leslie - I wanted to let you know that I spoke to my brother Glenn this past weekend and told him of Mike's passing. To say he was sad is an understatement. I just wanted to say that Glenn said that Mike was a wonderful friend and that he had seen him the last time he was in La Jolla. Glenn had great memories of growing up in Bird Rock with Mike. Glenn is living in Lake Tahoe and couldn't go to Mike's memeorial service, so I wanted to let you know that Glenn remembered Mike so lovingly and was so saddened to hear of his death, as was I. Anne (Hagata) Good

Stephen Stenberg

December 3, 2003

To the Gamboa family,

While I did not know Mike personally, it saddens my heart to hear when someone dies at an off road race. Reading all that has been written, tells me Mike was a very special guy and lucky to have loved and been loved by his wife, family and friends. Being a

Christian myself, I know he is in a better place now having served his time on earth. I was running a pit for my team when I heard this news over the Weatherman freq on the radio. I want to express my sorrow at your loss and the loss to your children as well.

Sincerely,

Stephen Stenberg

anne spoon-Kanner

December 2, 2003

Dear Leslie, I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. It has been many years since I have seen you and Mike but please know that you and your family are my thoughts. anne

Toni Meads

December 1, 2003

Dear Leslie,

My deapest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Although it has been many years since my last vist to La Jolla and even longer that I had the pleasure of your families company the thoughts and warm memories that surround our time together are still bright spots in my heart. I know how happy Mike was with you and your beautiful children and I know that you will hold his memory close to your heart. I wish you strength and courage during this difficult time. Hoping Gods light shines down on your family now and always Toni .

Linda Bullock

November 30, 2003

Dear Leslie and The Gamboa family,

I knew Mike back in elementary school. He used to come up to our street with his other little surfer friends. I have many happy memories of playing hide n seek, when the ice cream truck would make a trip up our hill and Mike would jump on the truck. He was so little that once he hid inside of a wheel well on a truck for his hiding place! On Friday nights we would all meet at the Roxy theater in P.B. and you could tell that Mike was there because of all the sunflower seed shells. He was such a happy kid and always had a funny joke and a smile. I have run into him over the years and was so happy to see him and Leslie so in love and that he was such a devoted father and husband. I am so sorry about your loss. Linda( Bullock) Leslie

Heather McNair Odom

November 30, 2003

Dear Leslie,

I am so very sad to hear of your loss. My entire family and I have you and your family in our thoughts at this devistating time. Our love and fondest memories of Mike will always be in our hearts. Love, David, Marjorie, Robin, Heather and Bruce.

Missy Ladner

November 28, 2003

Dear Leslie,

I am so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. It has been many years since I have seen both of you, but you have/will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Mike was always so special, his smile, his laughter, the way he always made others feel. He will be missed but his legacy will live on in memories and stories to be passed down from generation to generation. My prayers are with you and your children, with Lupe, Laura and Maria. Love and warm hugs Missy.

Pam Dooley

November 26, 2003

Mike, you were my best buddy in elementary school. We climbed hillsides together, played games, and you even taught me to ride your minibike. I was so happy when you and Leslie, another best friend, got together and were married and had two beautiful kids.

You were a very special person. You were kind, generous and caring.

I will miss you as so many others who had the priviledge of knowing you. Leslie, I'm so sorry. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

Betsey Benjamin(Bloomfield)

November 26, 2003

I'll always remember Mike as one of the nicer surfers in L.J. and for his charming and friendly smile.I am very sorry to hear of his passing.My heart goes out to his family.

MARINA VILLALVA (BERMUDEZ)

November 26, 2003

OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO LESLIE, BRIANA, ANDRE, TIA LUPE, MARIA AND

LAURA. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

YOUR COUSIN AND FAMILY MARINA, DAVID

JACQUELINE AND ARIANA VILLALVA.

Andrew Menas II

November 26, 2003

My heart broke when I heard the sad news about Mike. Anyone who has ever met Mike or knew Mike loved Mike.

God blessed us all, by allowing us to know him. He will never be forgotten in my life and memories. I look forward to the day when I will see him again in heaven.

Sincerely,

Andrew N. Menas II

Richard & Michelle Whitney

November 26, 2003

To the Gamboas-

I never saw a man smile more than Mike. He seemed content with every day and always talked about the good surf and beautiful weather. Mike never seemed to take life for granted and lived each day to its fullest. He appreciated the simple things in life. His wife and children seemed to adore him and he was a great role model for living each day as it came, something that is very difficult for most men to do.

He was a great Father,Husband and individual. Probably the best surfer I have ever known. An honor and a privilege to have spent the limited time that I did with him. We will never forget that great Gamboa spirit and smile!

God Bless,

Judge Richard S. Whitney and

The entire Whitney Family.

the welsh family

November 26, 2003

Leslie and family, we are so shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mike loved and enjoyed life to the fullest and he will always live on in our hearts. Love, Rachel Welsh

Charlie Whitney

November 26, 2003

To the Gamboa family,

I had just seen Mike the week before at the farmer's market with Leslie. We talked about the market,he asked if I had seen the sprinkler box that he had made for my little rental at Windn'Sea. We spoke about what a beautiful day it was, how beautiful the flowers were, and all the wonderful things to see,smell and taste in the market.Mike loved life to the fullest! He loved his wife,and it was beautful to see them holding hands.He went out of his way to talk to me that day. He was happy to see me as always, I was really happy to see him too.Mike always went out of his way to speak to me.We knew each other through my brother Richard (now a judge)from high school. Mike always had the ability to make you feel that you were special.With his contagious smile and "rapid fire" laughter, that little twinkle in his eyes,and most importantly the uncanny ability to make you feel very special in his presence, even if it was just for a moment.....he was able to make that moment a special one,and make you feel like a million bucks just like the last time I saw him at farmer's market.Mike had such a glow of optimism about him that after you talked to him whether at Bully's restaraunt,the chevron gas station,the market place,or the beach,you always felt loved by his special interest and love that he had for you,in that brief encounter.

I will really miss Mike,his humor, his smile,the twinkle in his eye, his laughter,his optimism,the glow about him that just eminated from his soul onto you. I will miss him alot. I really loved Mike as a friend and a true Christian human being who loved his fellow man as he so loved his lovely wife Leslie and his children!He was a church going christian,but more importantly was a practicing christian, and really loved you from his heart and soul!

Monica Reta-Garcia

November 26, 2003

Please know that my prayers and blessings are with all of you.

Your cousin.

Karon Johnson/Williams

November 26, 2003

Leslie and Family

I am so sorry to here about this tragic accident. Mike was loved by many. I have fond memories of Mike all the way back to Elementary school. One time in fifth grade he told me I had a good body. That was so funny because I was a stick figure. We were friends all through school and I will miss him and will hold the momories of good times we had as children. God bless, My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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