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MICHAEL MCGINN Obituary
Michael Arthur McGinn
May 23, 1962 - Nov. 1, 2012
San Francisco, California
Michael A. McGinn passed away peacefully at home of cancer. He was 50.
Mike, founder and chief executive of Specialized Legal Services in San Francisco, is missed greatly by his wife Melissa and sons Jack, 12, Matt, 10, and Sean, 7.
Mike was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, but grew up in the Sacramento area and in the Inner Richmond District of San Francisco where he has lived since 1973. He attended Washington High School and San Francisco State University.
Mike relished a challenge. He once built a distance bike, flew to Europe and pedaled solo from Amsterdam to Rome across the rugged Alps.
Mike loved bicycling, flying, sailing, books, jazz, good food, and life in all its vigor. Above all, he loved his family and was a devoted husband and father.
Mike is also survived by many who loved him dearly: his parents, Arthur and Kerry Anne McGinn of Spokane, Washington; sister Kathleen of Austin, TX; and brothers John (Susan) of Sherman, TX, and Steven (Julie) of Newton, MA and their children, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and employees.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on November 10, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2808 Lakeshore Drive, Oakland.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL MCGINN
Sponsored by The McGinn Family.
Max K
March 25, 2025
Mike,
Everything I hear about you just makes me miss you more. Your loss is deeply felt and you touched more lives than you'll ever know. May we meet someday in heaven. Max
Amena Berner
October 31, 2023
Still greatly missed and talked about to this day.
ima rock
November 7, 2015
Still miss our friend
Ben Johnson
November 11, 2012
Mike, we haven't talked much over the last few years, but I still feel your loss greatly. You made a lasting impression on my life. As I told you the last time we spoke, when I dream of the old days, which I still do, you are always my dispatcher.
My heart goes out to Melissa and your boys for their terrible loss. But I am confident that they share your strength, determination, and intelligence and that they will get through this and be okay.
Rebecca Tiller
November 11, 2012
Mike was one of the best men I was lucky enough to work for and know in my life. His character and determination were infectious, and he inspired everyone around him to pursue the best things within themselves. When you worked for Mike you knew you were a part of a team that strove for excellence; and he always encouraged you to be your best and perform with dignity while treating others with respect. All of these things he taught me at an early part of my life and I owe a gret deal of my sucesses since that time to him.
Beyond this atmosphere at SLS Mike also extended himself as a friend. He cared deeply for those around him and very generously devoted the prosperity of his business toward the security and comforts of ours. He always took an interest in our well-being and personal pursuits. To me I felt he was a comrade and an equal; someone I could trust and seek advice from; someone that cared about the struggles I faced. He was always ready to listen attentively and compassionately. He truly had a heart of gold.
With the deepest sadness and respect I feel such a loss for so many, epsecially his family knowing they have lost such a special person in their lives. I know he was depended on and this is a tremendous loss that only time and strength can begin to heal. My condolences and hearfelt wishes of peace go to all of you.
Until we are all again reunited together in the next chapter of our lives, may we remember the priceless things that Mike gave to each and every one of us. May we strive fearlessly against our challenges and feel empowered, and embrace each other with honor and repect as we move forward toward our dreams. I is the light that Mike will forever be, and how I choose to remember him best.
Mandy Finneran
November 10, 2012
Thank you, Dear ole buddy, for being You. My deepest condolences to the entire, wonderful McGinn family. Jazz will be playing in heaven.
Michael Peluso
November 9, 2012
Dear departed Mike,
Thank you for the advise you have given me, especially during my teenage years. I will miss you so very much. I send my love to your family and i will keep you in my heart.
Michael Peluso
Jim Higgins
November 9, 2012
Mike and Family,
As one of your former neighbors, I miss our morning chats and all those home projects we discussed. I send my best sincere prayers to your family and just know that if anyone in your family (Melissa, Jack, Matt or Sean) ever needs a favor, I'll be there...
Jim Higgins
Sean Raymond
November 8, 2012
Mike, copy Mike, I am forever grateful that you gave me a job. It changed my life. You started my career path.
I remember so well and often when you told me to "swing by comma boy". It was my first paycheck in my life that was over $1000. This was 1995 and I was a bike messenger with a check like that! I was SO proud. Riding home that night to the Lower Haight I stopped at a burger place next the "The Mint". When I ate there I normally got a burger, small fries and a cup of free water. That night I got a bacon cheeseburger, large onion rings & a root-beer float. I ate like a king for the first time on my own. I ate with an incredible smile and an occasional tear of joy.
Over the years you always shared with Josh and myself anything you could to help us even though we are in the same field. You were always very kind.
I'd like to think, but seriously doubt, that you had me in mind when you named your last son Sean. Sean Patrick as I've seen. Funny thing is that one of my son's names is James Patrick and I never got around to telling you and that makes very sad.
You will be missed.
Mark Slamon
November 7, 2012
Mike's involvement in the SF messenger industry spanned decades and has been viewed as the benchmark of how it should be done. You will be missed Mike and I consider myself lucky to have known you as an employer and a friend.
The messenger community will pay their respects at South Park on Friday, November 9th at 6pm. All are welcome.
Brett Robinson
November 7, 2012
Mike, you have a heart of gold! In all the time we spent together I cannot remember you ever being angry at someone or something, maybe frustrated but never angry. Your generosity and willingness to give and share what you had never ceased, if someone was in need you would literally give them the shirt off your back, if you felt it was needed. If there were any bad days, they were few and far between for you.
You have helped me in my life by getting me a job as a process server, guiding me how to perform the job as it was required. Thank you for that!
Dealing with the finer points of etiquette at the Abu Zam Zam room so as not to incite the wrath of Bruno, sharing the occasional pint at the Hotel Utah, or twilight golfing on Friday's at Golden Gate park are just a few of the many, many memories that I appreciate and savor from our time together.
Mike, I didn't how much I missed you until you were gone, thanks for sharing a small part of your life with me, you will be missed!
Ciarán O'Sullivan
November 7, 2012
Mike:
Your illness, and your family's impending loss, has weighed heavily on me for these last many weeks. You were a great colleague and boss those years ago, and an all-round classy guy.
Rest in peace Mike.
Joe & Kara McGinn
November 7, 2012
Mike, you are so dearly missed. Our deepest sympathies to Melissa, Jack, Matt and Sean. Prayers, hugs, and love to you!
November 7, 2012
We all miss you Mike. Amena
Mary Higgins
November 7, 2012
Mike your smiling face will be missed greatly. May you rest in peace. Sending love and virtual hugs to you and your beautiful family, Melissa, Jack, Matt and Sean Patrick.
Noel Wheeler
November 7, 2012
With deepest sympathy.
Rob Goulding
November 7, 2012
In all my years working at the Courts, I have to say, 'Mike you were one of the Good guys. I'm sorry you had to go so soon" My prayers and condolences to your family.
joni neal
November 6, 2012
He is in my prayers along with his family
November 6, 2012
He will be in our hearts forever. Mary Lee
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