Michael Thomas Bertain passed away peacefully the morning of February 17, 2020 in Burbank, California at the age of 53. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008, he fought against it his own way, defied the odds, and, in his words, was "still breathing" until the very end.
Michael was born on August 18, 1966 to Dr. Richard V. Bertain and Mary Frances Sullivan Bertain in Santa Monica, California and was the fifth of six children. He grew up in West Hills and graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1984.
Michael loved the outdoors, especially the redwoods and the beach. He was creative with music and poetry, loved playing his guitar and writing songs. He enjoyed music, especially classic rock. He had an interest in how things worked and could be found dismantling things and putting them back together, especially cars. He had a place in his heart for animals, particularly dogs. Most of his life, he could be found with one or two four-legged friends.
He spent more than 20 years working for construction and engineering companies in Northern California.
He is survived by his wife, Leticia Bertain and her daughter Yojany Adair (Josh), and son Freddy Castellon, as well as Leticia's granddaughter, Jennifer Adair. He was preceded in death by his father Dr. Richard Vincent Bertain, Sr. He will lovingly be remembered by his mother Mary Frances Bertain; two brothers: Richard Vincent Bertain, Jr. (Kellie) and Kevin Bertain; as well as three sisters: Suzanne Bertain Todorovic, Alisa Bertain Phillips (Dennis) and Stacia Bertain Nemeth (John). Six nephews : Jonathan Bertain, George Todorovic, Lucas Nemeth, Stefan Todorovic, Jordan Bertain and Jackson Bertain, and three nieces: Jessica Bertain Dubane (Steve), Angela Bertain and Marika Nemeth have the pleasure of calling him Uncle Mike. He is also Uncle Mike to a grand nephew, Dillon and grand niece, Olivia. He will be missed by all, including his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family would like to thank Dr. Timothy Cloughesy and the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program staff for their patience and diligence in helping Michael.
Per his wishes, Michael will be cremated. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA 91504 on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1:00pm.
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