Kevin William Michael, 29, died Sunday, Oct. 11 due to a car accident.

He was born in Oakdale. He grew up in Hughson and graduated from Hughson High School with honors in 1998.

He loved playing for the Hughson Huskies basketball team and was coached by his dad, Ron Michael. He received his degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton in 2005. While in San Diego, he fell in love and married Rebekah Lopez Michael.

Mr. Michael loved music and was an accomplished writer and musician. He was a member of the band, Prosper. He had a special love for the ocean, surfing and his favorite place was at Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. His greatest love was for God and his two children, Mia Solano, 2, and Tyler Ruben, 1.

He was an avid fan of sports and rooted for the LA Dodgers and the San Diego Chargers. He last lived in Oceanside and worked for H-Wave as a Customer Care Executive helping people in pain to get well.

He had endured many hardships in his young life but always persevered. He was a lover of life and tried to live each day to the fullest. He always looked on the positive side of any situation he faced. He had an infectious smile and loved to laugh and make others smile and laugh.

He is survived by his children, Mia Solano Michael and Tyler Ruben Michael; mother, Delanna (Rod) Kennedy; father, Ron (Daphne) Michael; brother, Kenneth Michael; stepbrother, Jackson Michael; stepsisters, Debbie Reed, Jennifer Chand and Michelle Wright; grandmother, June Michael; aunts and uncles, Linda Michael, Janice and Tom Johnson, Tom and Brenda Michael, Dave Carlton and Diane Carlton; and his best friend, Ryan Loftin.

A Memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave., Modesto.

Remembrances may be made to a benevolent account opened on behalf of his children. This account has been established for Mia and Ty Michael at Chase Bank, Account #4153661751.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Oct. 21, 2009