Michael “Arlo” Giron was someone who enjoyed living life to the fullest. Born August 1st, 1993 in Guatemala, he was the youngest child. Growing up, he enjoyed playing with his older siblings and neighborhood friends, staying out late playing in playground, tag, hide and seek, soccer, basketball or Nintendo 64. However, playing board games would become one of his favorite past times for rest of his life. Growing up with older siblings, he became highly competitive and would take pride beating them at anything he could not only sports but academically as well. When his family immigrated to the US, he was the first to fully learn English and later would learn French.
During his high school years, he showed great interest in extra curricular activities and participated in Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon and Science Olympiad winning multiple awards and medals. He also was involved in athletics and participated in swim and water polo to which he became captain his senior year. In summer, he would attend Boy Scout camps with his older brother and church friends as well as hang out with friends. After graduating from high school with honors, Michael was accepted to several colleges. Including UC Berkeley. Cornell, Stanford and Brown. He chose to attend UC Berkeley.
While at Berkeley, he continued to participate in sports and was part of rowing team and ROTC. He worked at the Student Center and even went to Spain to study abroad. Although he was already a social person, he expanded his social circle at this time. He became the first in his family to graduate from college when he earned a degree in International Developmental Studies. He continued his education by obtaining a certificate in cyber security in Denver. There he enjoyed nature and would go hiking on the weekends. He would make a career in cybersecurity and established himself in San Francisco.
Michael always strived for better and he would achieve promotions in his work life. During his free time, he was still active and would participate in marathons- completing a triathlon was one of his goals. He enjoyed going to concerts, festivals, raves as well as trivia nights, and still board games. He liked to experience thrill seeking activities such as roller coasters, hot air balloon rides, zip lining and paragliding. Whether it was for work or for pleasure, he liked to travel. He loved to read and would try to read as many books as he could. He visited many countries and experienced different cultures.
In this last couple of years, he adopted a dog he named Buster and would enjoy training and spoiling him. He took up archery as hobby. His future goals included moving to Miami with his mom and attending law school to become a lawyer.
He is survived by his parents Jorge and Gloria Giron, his sister Margie Giron, his nieces Isabella Hernandez, Lilly and Layla Giron-Worman as well as his dog Buster, 4 aunts, 3 uncles, 20 cousins, 14 second cousins, and many friends and family members.
