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Michael Klay Obituary
Michael Klay passed away September 30, 2010 at home surrounded by the love of his family and his two Golden Retrievers. Michael fought a very brave eight year battle with Prostate Cancer.
Michael is survived by his wife of 23 years, Stacy, son Kristopher Michael and daughter Kylee Alexandra; parents Jim and Pat Klay of Watsonville; brother Jeff Klay Michelle and their son Chase and daughter Lexie all of Texas; brother John Klay and his daughter Krysten of Watsonville and son Stevan of San Diego; In-laws Robert and Sandra Smith of Paradise California; brother-in-law Jeremy Smith and family of Willows, California; longtime best friend Dino Rovera and wife Yvonne of Arnold, California and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents Menno and Grace Klay and Guy and Thelma Hewett.
Michael graduated from Watsonville High School in 1977, attended Cabrillo College where he enjoyed playing competitive tennis. Michael was of Comanche Indian descent and belonged to the Comanche Nation of Lawton, OK.
Michael owned and operated Valley Cleaning and Restoration for over 25 years. He was involved in many community organizations including Rotary and Toastmasters. Michael enjoyed playing baseball, fishing, snow and waterskiing and had a special love for the game of tennis. He was an avid San Francisco Giants and 49er fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
Services will be private. A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held at the Padre's Hall in Corralitos, 35 Browns Valley Rd., Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 3:00 PM. Mehl's Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Santa Cruz Prostate Cancer Support Group 63 Asta Dr., La Selva Beach, CA 95076, Branciforte Volunteer Firefighters Association 2711 Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz, 95065 or SPCA to honor Michael's love for animals.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Klay
October 7, 2010
Mike was a true gentleman with a big heart. We are all diminished in his absence.
Rebecca Connolly and Peter Zedak
Miguel Podolsky
October 6, 2010
Stacey, Kris and Kylee: I was fortunate to know Michael. He was always inspiring ,and I had true admiration for the way he participated and lead.
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss.. I will honor Michael's memory.
Miguel Podolsky
Karen,Rosie,Marleta and Rick Machado
October 6, 2010
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 5, 2010
YOUR BELOVED MICHAEL WOULD WANT YOU ALWAYS TO REMEMBER HE LOVED EACH OF YOU SO VERY MUCH....AND TO CONTINUE TO LOVE EACH OTHER ALWAYS. TREASURE ALL THE WONDERFUL MOMENTS YOU SHARED WITH HIM. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
October 5, 2010
To all the Klay Family: My deepest sympathy for your loss. I worked for Mike for a short time 30 years ago. I recognized a very entrepreneurial and energetic individual back then, and he inspired me to have the courage to start my own company. He was always kind to me whether surfing or just having a good talk. I ran into him by chance on my first trip to my heritage in Croatia. He was staying with his wife at his Watsonville neighbor's villa in Cavtat. He looked great and was so happy to be there. That special time and all the other memories I had with Mike will always have a special place in my heart. With sympathy, John A. Leonardich
Don an Dolores French
October 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David and Carrie Thorpe
October 5, 2010
Stacy, Kristopher, Kylee...and the entire Klay Family...We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad and difficult time. Your family and the smiles they brought as we walked the hall of Bradley School and all the plays the kids were in together bring a special memory to our hearts! Allow the memories you have to soften this profound pain...take your time to love and lean on those around you now and in the future, with Love: David, Carrie, Andre, Jordan Thorpe
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