Michael Wayne Paquette

Paquette, Michael Wayne 62, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on July 7, 2012. Michael was born October 1949 in Ontario, Canada to Gerald and Lorene Paquette. As a young child, Michael and his family moved to Arizona to start a new life in the United States. Michael is a graduate of Brophy College Preparatory School of Phoenix (where he met and later married his wife Patty) and Northern Arizona University of Flagstaff, Arizona. He embraced the Arizona outdoor lifestyle, and was an accomplished fly fisherman, motorcycle rider, and golfer.

Michael worked in the meat packing industry for most of his career. He advanced rapidly from his beginnings as slaughterhouse janitor, ending as President and COO of a major international food service corporation. He was widely respected as a food scientist, patent holder, and influential leader.

Michael also enjoyed and exercised a lifelong passion for guitar instruction & performance. From teenage years with the band "Just Us" to his last days instructing guitar, Michael frequently referred to himself an old *gee-tar* picker and consistently found sharing music a source of true joy in his life.

Michael is preceded in death by his father Gerald, and survived by his Mother, Lorene; Sister, Sherry; Brother, Gerry David; Daughter, Clarissa; Son, Christopher; and 7 Grandchildren.

At his request, no service will be held. His life will be memorialized in a celebration given by his family. To honor his memory, his family requests that, while unnecessary, any gifts be in the form of a donation to the Fender Music Foundation.