Michael Thomas Vasquez

VASQUEZ
Michael Thomas
As he wished, Mike Vasquez was at home with his wife Debbie and his beloved canine companions, Midnight and Emma, when he passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Mike was born April 16, 1960, the youngest of four sons of Primo and Susan (Alvarado) Vasquez. His brothers Lou, Bob, and Brian were Mikey's protectors and defenders throughout his early years and were with Mikey at the end.
As a newborn, Mike lost his mother. From that start came a special relationship with his grandparents, Maximino and Macedonia Vasquez, as they cared for him through his childhood and beyond. As a young man, roles reversed with Mike reciprocating their dedicated care and love until their deaths.
Mike married Debra Lake in 1988. His last words, “I love you” were to her.
Mike was a Waite graduate and attended the University of Toledo. His law enforcement career began as a corrections officer, then deputy sheriff, then in 1990 as a Toledo Police Department patrolman. A lifelong resident of the East side, Mike chose to serve where he lived, patrolling his community on the midnight shift. His fellow officers regarded him as a knowledgeable field officer who could be counted on to assist with investigations which would make the East side more safe. Mike retired from the force in 2014, after serving 24 years. While his work was his passion, Mike enjoyed fishing, gardening and the Buckeyes.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Susan and Primo; grandparents, Maximino and Macedonia Vasquez; grandparents, Felipe and Serafina Alvarado; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Surviving are wife, Debbie; brothers, Lou, Bob (Kathy), Brian (Heather); mother-in-law, Bev Lake; brother and sister-in law, Jim (Jill) Lake and Vicki (Bob) Hartkopf; nieces and nephews, Allison, Brian, Stephen, David and Briann Vasquez and Haley, Nick, Rob, Stephanie, Hannah, and Emilia; and the extended Vasquez and Alvarado families.
At Mike's request there will be no visitation or services. Please think of Mike the next time you are comforted by your pet.
If you wish please consider a memorial donation to The Devoted Barn, 6227 N. Dixie Hwy., Newport, MI, 48166 or Planned Pethood, PO Box 350908, Toledo, OH 43635.
Arrangements by Cremation Society of Toledo. As published in The Blade