John F. Michaud

Many things can be said about John F. Michaud. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. John was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

      John was born on February 22, 1965 at Downey Community Hospital in Downey, CA. His parents were James C. Michaud and Leona M. Casper. John was raised in Downey, CA. When he was young, John's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, John demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

      John grew up with four siblings. He had three older brothers Jimmy, Ed and Frank and one older sister Jackie. John was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. John carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. John was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

      As a young boy, John was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, John could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in baseball, track, football, basketball and later tennis and golf. He was an alter boy at St. Dominic Savio belonged to the YMCA and little league baseball and football. In his spare time he liked baseball cards, painting, drawing, woodworking and sports. John's memorable achievements included many Baseball and football trophies along with some track placement ribbons. However, to John, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

      During his high school years, John had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Downey High School in 1983. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, John had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. John was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew John as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Soldano.

      Always considered a “good” friend, John sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason John always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. John’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation and always amiable in his dealings with others. John would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed and would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. John was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jay and Julie Caldwell, Jerry Gavaldon, Kenny Eichert, Ken Jaquess, Quinton San Diego, John Robles, Mike McClusky, Daniela Gavaldon; you all know who you are omission is not on purpose: John was a maker of friends. Later in life, he became friends with Frank and Maggie Huerta, Juanita Murray, Gerald Compos, among others.

       Compassionate and devoted, John worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Tammy came first in John’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Tammy’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, John did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how John was truly a person of empathy.

      John experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was a Weigh Master. He was employed for County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles for 11 years. John always made the effort to understand what was needed at work and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. John took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. John was one to take the initiative. His skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. John continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

      Because he was organized and methodical, John took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were rebuilding Harley's and cars along with custom motorcycle and automotive painting, building small scale trains and track landscape, Oil Painting Bob Ross Style. John loved to build clocks and all varieties of word working. John was very handy in making his family house a home. John enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      John derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, John delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included Billiards, basketball, football, baseball and Tennis. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list were Football, Basketball, Baseball and Tennis.

      John was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. Politically, John was a strong supporter of voting for the person that was best fit for the job.

      John enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with John were always enjoyable. His favorite vacations included Big Bear Mountains, Fisherman's Retreat and he was always the happiest pitching a tent at a camp ground. He also liked Catalina and gambling in Las Vegas.

      John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. John's favorite pets were Bear, the Chow Chow, and Flipper, the Umbrella Cockatoo. They were best friends for 13 and 27 years respectively. His pet family was rounded out by his Stray cats Mr. Socks and Ms. Kitty along with an assorted menagerie that adapted him.

       Being the focused and organized person that he was, when forced into an early retirement, he found new pleasure in building an addition onto our house along with clock making and oil painting. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      John passed away on November 16, 2012 at Kaiser Hospital in Downey California. John fought a brave battle against Lung Cancer for which he never complained of his ailments but, instead made sure all in his presence were comfortable while he used his illness to inspire and encourage friends and family to enjoy life in the present. He is survived by his loving wife Tammy and older brother Ed. Services were held at All Souls Cemetery with Father Lorenzo Avelino officiating. John was laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, California.

      Throughout his life, John was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of a coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. John leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember John F. Michaud.

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Many things can be said about John F. Michaud. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. John was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

John was born on February 22, 1965 at Downey Community Hospital in Downey, CA. His parents were James C. Michaud and Leona M. Casper. John was raised in Downey, CA. When he was young, John's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, John demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

John grew up with four siblings. He had three older brothers Jimmy, Ed and Frank and one older sister Jackie. John was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. John carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. John was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, John was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, John could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in baseball, track, football, basketball and later tennis and golf. He was an alter boy at St. Dominic Savio belonged to the YMCA and little league baseball and football. In his spare time he liked baseball cards, painting, drawing, woodworking and sports. John's memorable achievements included many Baseball and football trophies along with some track placement ribbons. However, to John, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

During his high school years, John had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Downey High School in 1983. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, John had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. John was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew John as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Soldano.

Always considered a “good” friend, John sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason John always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. John’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. John would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. John was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jay and Julie Caldwell, Jerry Gavaldon, Kenny Eichert, Ken Jaquess, Quinton San Diego, John Robles, Mike McClusky, Daniela Gavaldon; you all know who you are omission is not on purpose: John was a maker of friends. Later in life, he became friends with Frank and Maggie Huerta, Juanita Murray, Gerald Compos, among others.

Compassionate and devoted, John worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Tammy came first in John’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Tammy’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, John did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how John was truly a person of empathy.

John experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was Weigh Master. He was employed for County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles 11 years. John always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. John took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. John was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. John continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, John took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were rebuilding Harley's and cars along with custom motorcycle and automotive painting. Building small scale trains and track landscape, Oil Painting Bob Ross Style; John loved to build clocks and all varieties of word working. John was very handy in making his family house a home. John enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

John derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, John delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included Billiards, basketball, football, baseball and Tennis. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football, Basketball, Baseball and Tennis.

John was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. Politically, John was a strong supporter of voting for the person best fit for the job.

John enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with John were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Big Bear Mountains, Fisherman's Retreat, always the happiest pitching a tent at a camp ground. Also liked Catalina and gambling in Las Vegas.

John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. John's favorite pets were Bear the Chow Chow and Flipper the Umbrella Cockatoo. They were best friends for 13 and 27 years respectively. His family was rounded out by his Stray cats Mr. Socks and Ms. Kitty along with an assorted menagerie that adapted him.

Being the focused and organized person that he was, when forced into an early retirement, he found new pleasure in building an addition onto our house along with clock making and oil painting. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

John passed away on November 16, 2012 at Kaiser Hospital in Downey California. John fought a brave battle against Lung Cancer for which he never complained of his ailments but, instead made sure all in his presence were comfortable while he used his illness to inspire and encourage friends and family to enjoy life in the present. He is survived by his loving wife Tammy and older brother Ed. Services were held at All Souls Cemetery Officiant Father Lorenzo Avelino. John was laid to rest in All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, California.

Throughout his life, John was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. John leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember John F. Michaud.

Dear Family and Friends

My beloved husband John Michaud was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer May 21st 2012 . Although he fought the toughest battle and never once complained or outwardly showed his pain, God had a bigger plan and lovingly took his hand and guided him home November 16, 2012,

Although we never had children of our own we were blessed with many loving nieces Sherry, Jessica and Clarissa and Haleigh, nephew David and later more great nephews Andy, D.J. , Dylan, Nicholas, Michael, Tyler, Ricky and Izzy and great nieces Brianna, Magdalena and Sophia to fill our lives with much joy.

We are thankful for everyone's constant prayers, heartfelt words and all the visits and outings that enriched our final days together. It brings contentment to know he was able to complete his most important wishes and strengthen family ties. He was not alone at his passing as Ed, Kathy, myself and loving family friend Kay was at his side.

John is survived by his loving wife Tammy, his brother Ed, caring sister in law Kathy, Brother in law Pete and Mother in law Lou.

John immediately understood his illness and spent many of his last days urging any smoker that came in his path to use his influence to convince them to stop smoking. Therefore, I think it is fitting to memorialize John and continue his fight by making a generous donation to the American Lung Cancer Society in his name in lieu of flowers.

Please make donations here and designate to lung cancer research:

https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index

Ed and I would love for you to share your memories and photos of John with us.

Please send them to :

[email protected] and [email protected]