Michael Julian Sanchez

Michael J. Sanchez returned to God on June 4, 2025. We are sad to see him go, and we will miss him terribly, but we are happy he was here. On the other side of this divide, there will be no sadness, only abounding joy and wonderful memories of a unique and special man.

Mike was a second generation East Bay man born to Pete and Carmen Sanchez, whose families came from Salamanca and Malaga respectively. His beloved brother Steve journeyed on before him. He lived in the East Bay much of life working primarily for himself. Some of you will remember his van and then his truck full of candy and soda where you could find him singing “Candyman” from the original Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. He did it his way until he finally retired and moved to the Roseville/Auburn area with Kathie, his beloved wife of 45 years in 2005. There he spent many happy years with Kathie, his son Danny, and the beloved family dog Benet who waited for Mike as long as she could but also took her own last journey on May 23, 2025, after nineteen years of boundless joy.

Mike is remembered for his sense of humor. He once said the trick to being funny is to just make as many jokes as possible and eventually you’ll finally get it right. His likable, open, warm, and wonderful personality endeared him to many. You know you were a special guy when you make the oncologist cry at your last meeting. Many people were touched by my mother and my father’s effort to go on cruises, go to Tahoe, travel to see his other son Drew in the Bay Area, and live their life to the fullest. They left nothing on the table. There are no skeletons in their closet. And whenever he would visit his son Drew, daughter-in-law Gwyn, and grandchildren Calfionn and Althea, he always showed up smiling and was a beacon of playful and loving energy. He never came empty handed. He always had a gift for Gwyn and Drew, and he would always bring the children a new toy. He leaves a legacy of joy.

Mike was an avid collector of many things including instruments, precious stones, metals, furniture, art, and artisan crafts. He amassed a wonderful collection over the years. From a original Picasso to a pristine Gibson Hummingbird, his collection reflects his eclectic personality. Many of these treasures now pass on to his family. Never one to miss a trick, he was cataloging and strategizing the entire time. Even near the end, he was still scheming. He leaves a legacy of dreaming. 

Some of you may know he was a deeply poetic person who wrote wonderful music. His love for music lives on in his children and grandchildren. You can find his album Common Ground on Spotify. There are some really great songs on that album that are truly timeless. His yearning to capture the joy and sorrow of life in music was one of his great qualities, and which lives on in the music that he leaves behind. Being in tune with the good and bad of life allowed him to always maintain a healthy mental space. He leaves a legacy of grace.

We were all devastated to learn in September, 2021, that he had Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. We feared that he had not long to live. They often say, when that kind of news comes, have the party first. Instead began almost four more years of adventure, happy memories, and wonderful experiences. He couldn't figure out how to beat death, but he certainly embarrassed him a few times. He was deeply grateful for each day and woke up each morning thanking the heavens for one more day on this beautiful earth. He never once complained. He used everything in his power to not be a burden to his family. He was like this until his last hour. He leaves a legacy of valor.

We hope you will read this message and think happy thoughts about wonderful memories with Mike over the years. And we hope you will join in our heartfelt prayer that his journey is smooth as he returns to his people in heaven above. For we who remain, he leaves a legacy of love.