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Michael Simenstad Obituary
07/21/1942 - 02/16/2025
Michael died February 16, 2025, at his home in Maui with his wife at his side.
Michael was born in San Francisco on July 21, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Sedger Simenstad and Archibald Mann Simenstad. He is survived by his wife, Renée Guerra Simenstad; his sister, Geraldine Conners; his six children, Alexander, Eric (Jordan), Elizabeth (Jacob), Hillary, Christopher and Michael; two stepchildren, Chelsea and Ashley (Daniel); four step-grandchildren, Johnny, Cole, Declan and Nora; and a new grandchild, Natalie.
Michael grew up in San Francisco, the Far East and San Rafael. After graduating from San Rafael High School, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After the Marines he went on to graduate from the California Maritime Academy and followed in his father's footsteps as a merchant seaman. Mike started his career sailing around the world, became Captain, then went on to a long career as a Maritime Pilot in the San Francisco Bay. A love of history and politics was balanced by being a lifetime athlete enjoying running, biking, hiking, and swimming. As a 55 year member of the Olympic Club in San Francisco, Mike was an avid handball player playing in many tournaments through the years.
A professed beach lover, Mike spent the last 15 years living the winters in Maui and the summers in Lake Tahoe, sunning, swimming and playing handball. Mike was very close to his children and had many close friends from all the different parts of his life who loved him very much.
The memorial service and interment for Michael A. Simenstad will be May 24, 2025, 10am, at Trinity Episcopal Church By-the-Sea at 100 Kulanihako'i Street, Kihei, Maui, HI 96753. The family requests that any donations go to the American Heart Association.
Aloha Mike, we love you!
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Simenstad
Gerald Williams
April 25, 2025
I met Mike in Maui many years in our condominium complex. He had an engaging knowledge of history and politics and I enjoyed our many discussions and email exchanges. I will miss his smile and firm handshake each time we met. Rest in peace Mike, you were a unique soul and I miss you.
Nancy Orrell McCreary Eaton
April 19, 2025
Mike was bigger than life! He knew everyone. Great conversations and with sharing lots of well read history and politics. We served on the homeowners board together....We had so much fun. His 40th Birthday party was one to remember for sure. Rest in peace Mike. You will be missed by many
Philip Lisagor
April 6, 2025
We played doubles at the SF Olympic Club. Mike was always a gentleman while having a competitive edge
Vincent culum
April 5, 2025
Mike was a great man! Very smart and had many stories to tell. He was very old fashioned to his interests in music. In which was always funny and interesting to hear him sing, you'd think he would've went on America's got talent. He was a very respected man and cared about the ones he loved. Gonna miss his loud singing at the dinner tables.
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Frank Culum
April 5, 2025
Mike was a gentleman!
I remember many family gatherings with Mike having a great time !
You always knew when Mike was in the room with his roaring voice and laughter!
He loved to sing songs from the oldies and big band generation.He was always interested in politics and what´s going on in the world.
He was always waiting for the next handball tournament and loved the sport very much!
His wife Renee is a very good chef and fed him well!
Her homemade pies at gatherings were always a big hit!
Liz Leon Guerrero
April 5, 2025
We all knew him as "BIG MIKE" at Lake Tahoe.Many summers he would gather all the young people on the Beach and would swim with them to the outer buoys and back.You could hear him discussing politics at the beach with his booming voice.He was one of the most fit men at the beach and he LOVED the Lake.We will miss him and share his LOVE of Big Blue.
Deanna Charlesworth
April 4, 2025
Mike was a beloved friend of Capt. Ron Charlesworth and wife Deanna. Many happy hours were spent together in Maui, with his lovely wife Renee, who I must say is quite a cook. Mike loved sitting down to a meal she cooked for him. Loved hearing Mike belt out broadway songs. He will be missed! He was a truly good man.
With Love, Deanna
Jim Hayford
April 4, 2025
You will be missed Mike. You were the King of Rubicon. Loved the walks with your talks that were full of great memories and stories. Thank you for your friendship. Blessings and peace to you Renee.
John & Elsa Weiss
April 3, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Mike. Sending prayers of comfort during this difficult time.
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