Michael Glenn Mahony

For those who had the privilege of knowing Michael, even for a short time, will understand how “renaissance man” is a term that fits him so accurately.

He was a very bright man with a sharp wit and a wry, clever sense of humor. Michael could easily discuss and banter about a wide range of topics – from opera to Frank Zappa, from BMW motorcycles to poetry, from Martin Scorsese to flying airplanes, from how to cook the best BBQ ribs to Turner Classic Movies.

His passion for the San Francisco Giants was steadfast and every year he looked forward to the start of a new baseball season. When a game got dicey, he donned his lucky, bright orange Giants’ cap.

Michael enjoyed so many of life’s pleasures – reading, bicycling, music, films. One of his most favorite places was Donner Lake. The mountains, particularly the Sierra Nevada, were one of the rare places where he could truly relax. He also had a very strong affinity for the ocean, and the Mendocino coast was his favorite place to walk the beach.

His absolute biggest joy in life were his two sons, Taylor and Patrick. Being a supportive, loving and very engaged father is what he was most proud of in this world. Nothing was more important than spending time with his boys. He took such pride in all of their passions and interests – from attending every performance of Patrick’s in the Nutcracker and beaming at Patrick’s art shows – to talking with Taylor for hours about what constitutes a film as “Academy Award worthy”.

The excerpt below, from the poem, “The Swan”, by Rilke, seems appropriate way to honor Michael.

He will be missed for years and years to come and will be deeply loved and remembered with a smile forever.

"And to die, which is the letting go of the ground we stand on and cling to every day, is like the swan, when he nervously lets himself down into the water, which receives him gaily and which flows joyfully under and after him. Wave after wave, while the swan, unmoving and marvelously calm, is pleased to be carried, each moment more fully grown, more like a king, further and further on."

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.