Michael Valdez Hernandez

Michael is survived by his parents; a brother, Victor Junior and his wife, Jennifer; a sister, Jamie and her husband, Rigoberto; a niece, four nephews, many cousins and extended family.

While he spent his formidable years in Manteca -- ages 12 to 18 -- Michael called San Francisco his home for the past 15 years until his unexpected passing. He attended Nile Garden Elementary school in Manteca and later graduated from Manteca High School in 1993. Michael was highly active while at MHS, participating in student government, varsity swim team, Spanish club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), student mascot and served as Associated Student Body (ASB) president during his senior year. He established a myriad of lifetime friendships while residing, and later returning to Manteca, for family and friend-related visits.

After attending college at California State Universities, Fresno and Northridge, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for eight years and was stationed at bases including Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri and USAG Kaiserslautern Army base in Germany. His career path would twist and turn after receiving his final discharge from the Army, but always at the center of Michael’s passion -- professionally and personally -- were people, and later canines.

After active duty Michael served as a military recruiter and later in customer service roles and eventually for the City of San Francisco, as an animal control specialist. He loved dogs dearly, and no creature filled his heart the way his beloved service dog Simon did. Simon and Michael were inseparable for the past six years until Simon succumbed to illness in February.

Michael’s drive to help others, especially defenseless animals was a blessing to all who came in contact with him. His co-workers at SF Animal Care & Control described him as warm, funny and outgoing. His supervisor Virginia Donohue said, “Michael was great with the public. He came to work each day full of energy and enthusiasm. He worked hard and was always the first one to help anyone who needed a hand.”

Michael lived life to the fullest. He adored spending time with family and friends, particularly if it meant someone coming to visit him in San Francisco where he could then provide world-class tours of the city he had fallen madly in love with. He was incredibly proud of his SF Giants and could often be seen sporting orange and black apparel, even during non-baseball months. But beyond all else, Michael lived for his treasured friends and family. And nothing sparked his extra-wide smile quite like the joy and admiration he expressed any time he found himself around his cherished nephews Blake Michael, Devin, Pace and Maddux, and his precious niece Lyla.

Michael endeavored to live in the service of others; as a small child dutifully helping his parents around the house, to later in life, whether it was serving our country, guiding pet owners through difficult times, or sharing his unvarnished love and friendship to so many he touched during his 44 years. Michael’s legacy and memory lives on through so many who were blessed to know and love him.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings, a private ceremony will be held for Michael later this month. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the nonprofit organization Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/FriendsofSanFranciscoAnimalCa/michaelhernandez.html?fbclid=IwAR3cDKxFcLdK68V_XLzc_Fs7jFeGOs0XrUWcaW-Czip5EW543SFu-KAavTQ.