Michael J. Amaya

Michael Amaya Obituary

Michael J. Amaya embarked on his new adventure, from his home in Santa Cruz on June 25, 2010. He was 62 years old. Michael was born in Oakland, CA, on September 14th, 1947, to his beloved mother, Jessie Lou Amaya and father, Leslie Cody Amaya. He was the baby of six children. The Amaya family moved to Los Gatos soon after, where Michael spent most of his life, until finally settling in Santa Cruz. He simply adored Santa Cruz and wouldn't move back "over the hill" for anybody or anything.

Michael was a successful and highly respected real estate broker for the Santa Clara County for 25 years. He was a brilliant salesman. He served proudly in the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged at the end of his service. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends at the VFW Post #7263 in Santa Cruz, where he spent many an afternoon enjoying a Diet Coke or three.

Michael was a self-proclaimed comedian and ladies' man. He was a modern day Rhett Butler and always the life of the party. He raced stock cars in the 70s and loved to ride dirt bikes in Hollister. He treasured his spare time, restoring cars a 68 Chevelle, his masterpiece, rising early to watch Wimbledon, traveling to Mazatlan, Mexico and laughing all night long with his buddies. Michael LOVED music, especially Motown/Soul. Lionel Richie, George Benson, Peabo Bryson and Smokey Robinson were some of his favorites. Michael's other great love was food. He especially enjoyed Stagnaro's and Carpo's...not to mention, the Dominican Hospital turkey sandwiches. ;

Michael will be both sadly and immensely missed by his beloved children, Scott McLean of Campbell, Jennifer Amaya of Los Gatos and Erika Amaya of Willow Glen; dear ex-wife and friend, Vera Amaya; his beautiful grandchildren, Briana and Brooks McLean and loving nieces, Michelle and Leslie Amaya.

A memorial celebration of Michael's life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, July 8th, at the Center for Spiritual Living at 1195 Clark St. in San Jose, CA, 95125. Floral donations for the service would be gratefully appreciated. Please contact Jennifer Amaya at [email protected] or Erika Amaya @ 408 966-6627.

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

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jul. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Amaya

10 Entries

Nancy Kish

July 2, 2011

You were a great man & a great father. We had alot of fun!

Erika Amaya

July 1, 2011

Hi Pops,
I miss you dad . Its been a little over a year. I think about you everyday and I hope you are watching down on me. Well, wait do I really want that ;) Love you dad. YOu would be so proud of my 1962 and 1963 Chevy Nova and also, Amy. :)
My Birthday is on Sunday. Cant believe you wont be there -GEEEzzz. NOt really all that excited about it anyway .
Love you ,
Ps
dont think you are getting out of my $100.00 birthday money.....
Erika

Newton

August 2, 2010

To the family of Mr. Amaya sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his STRENGHT, HIS LOVE, AND HIS PEACE in this time of sorrow. It sounds like Mr. Amaya was a character liked to have fun with family and friends. His memory will live on everytime you tell a story about him or just seeing something simple and you will smile of the memory. Just take it one day at a time and as each day passes it does get easier to deal with your loss. May Mr. Amaya RIP.

Adrienne V

July 28, 2010

I am sorry for your loss, though I did not know him personally, Scott would talk about him often. I know he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Erika Amaya

July 27, 2010

Hi Dad,
I went to your house and paid your space rent last night. I miss you alot the house is quiet and not full of Kentucky Fried CHicken which I now miss. NO blasting Tv was on no nothing. I miss you so much and I hope you're watching over me.
Love Erika

Bill & Carolyn Farinsky

July 11, 2010

We`re sorry to learn of Mike`s passing. He was quite a character and a great neighbor. He taught Bob a lot about racing and working on cars. I know he`ll be greatly missed by friends and family. Take care Mike.
Bill AND cAROLYN

Bob Farinsky

July 10, 2010

I was deeply saddened to learn today that Mike had passed away. Mike was a huge influence in my life during my high school years of the early 70's. As my neighbor and good friend, he taught me all about dirt track race cars, I was one of mechanics working on the car and his "pitman" when we raced. What I learned fom Mike during that time helped shape who I am today.

On this past 4th of July here in the Chico, CA., we attended the 410 sprint and stock car races as we do throughout the season. I always think about Mike when I'm there, wondering how he is doing and remembering my younger days with Mike and his family and how much fun we had. If it had not been for my relationship with Mike and his family, I would never had met my wife Lori.

My deepest sympathy to all of the family and especially Vera, Jennifer and Erika.

Love,

Bob

joyce amaya

July 4, 2010

We all loved you so much Mikie, you were alway so fun and made us laugh sooo much. and so full of bull too. You were the cutest 15 year old when I met you, and Ken was always jealous of you and me HA

erika amaya

July 4, 2010

Ill miss you Dad, I love you so much .
Love ErikaMerika

erika amaya

July 4, 2010

I love you dad, I'll miss you so much.
Love "ErikaMerika"

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