Michael Araki was great to work with and I was sorry when he left Valley Children's. Please accept my sincere condolences at your loss.

Mike was a very friendly and nice guy. He would always smile and make jokes and was very happy. We always will remember Mike having a happy smile and a friendly personality. Every time we would see him at a family gathering, he would always take time to talk with us. We will miss you Mike. 

I had a friend that I could brag about.  In fact I still brag about him whenever I have an opportunity.   As I review these talks I can tell that I am bragging about him again.  His many accomplishments and skills was not what made him special to me.  To me, he was the best friend that I could hope for.  I looked forward to the next basketball tournament, Obon festival, school dance or other event or adventure, because it was one more thing I could do with him.
He looked out for me and he took care of me.  He made sure that I never left out of the fun or social events.  Before I could drive, he even made sure that his sisters had an extra seat in their car for me when I needed a ride to a dance or party.  
Thank you Linda and Sharon.   
I felt that I could always count on him as a friend and I know that he would be there for me if he thought I needed him.  As we grew older, I saw him less frequently, but I felt that our friendship was always strong.
Being here today with his family and friends is a reminder of all the great memories we had.   As sad as I am, I will try to find comfort in the memories of our time together.  


Mike was my closest friend in Junior high and high school.  He was probably my best friend ever.
When I first started to write these memories, the first draft was too long and I needed to do some serious editing.
This was totally Mike’s fault as there is just so much that can be said about him and what he meant to me.
I met Mike in Sunday school when we were about 6 years old, but I knew him best during our teenage years.  Besides being a great friend, he was a very unique person.
As a kid, he raced slot cars.  His father supported him to the extent, that he started the “Roadrunner” line of custom race cars.  Soon everyone at the hobby shop was racing Roadrunner cars.
 I knew other kids who played baseball or basketball or football, but I had never known anyone who could high jump.  Mike was good.  In fact, he was really good.  In junior high he was the best in the city.  When he went to High school, he excelled there too.  He always seemed to win and I’m pretty sure he was the best in the valley.
He did so many things that I never saw other kids our age do.
I once went to his house and he was drawing.  I had no idea that he was artistic.  Another time when I want to his house, he was practicing dance.  I couldn’t dance, but he was really good.  Picture in your mind, the movie “Saturday Night Fever”.  If Michael Jackson were cast as Tony Manero instead of John Travolta, that would have been Mike.  
He also bowled and he raced go-karts.  I don’t think he could sing, but it seemed like he could do everything else.


Ever since I was little, I always adored the way people looked at you, the way they talked about you, and the way you could captivate a room full of people. It was never lost on me just how beautiful of a human being you are. Being “Mike’s daughter” is one of the greatest things that I can be.  It has been like a badge of honor that I have the privilege to wear. I am so grateful for the twenty six years I got to have with you.  It’s twenty six years filled with so much love, laughs, tears, ups, downs and memories that I will always hold close to my heart. Twenty six years of you always having my back, catching me before I fell, and supporting me through any decision I made.  It’s twenty six years together, but it’s my whole life to be “Mike’s daughter” and my whole life to make you proud.  
I want you to rest peacefully and to rest easy knowing that we will be okay.  I want you to know that I love you beyond measure and that everything I do will be in your honor. I will be there for Mom and for Kellen. I will give the dogs their daily treat that you made sure they never missed out on. I will be strong and I will be brave as I continue to move forward with you in my heart. 
Thank you for never giving up, for making your fight about us, and for loving us the way you did. Thank you for letting me have you wrapped around my finger since the day I was born. Thank you for everything you have done for me in your lifetime. I love you so much and I will see you again someday.
 Thank you for being my Dad. 


Dear Dad,
When I close my eyes I can still hear you laugh; the laugh that everyone could recognize from a mile away.  I can still see you smile – a smile that lit up the room and usually had a joke just behind it.  I can still feel the warmth of your hug…a hug I wish I never had to let go of.  
I know that you had to make the toughest decision of your life to let go and move on without us.  I can’t imagine what you could have been feeling.  But I know that it was the right decision because you are no longer in pain or suffering.  As much as I never wanted to let you go, I never wanted to see you hurt.  I can find comfort in the fact that you no longer have to struggle.  
If I am honest, I still half expect to turn the corner and see you sitting on the couch with both phones in hand, tablet at the ready, and the TV on and set to a game. It has been a battle day to day trying to find acceptance. Right now it doesn’t seem possible to accept that the greatest man I know is not just around the corner anymore. I know that you are still with me and that you always will be, but a part of me is still so selfish and needs all of you here. It’s the part of me that didn’t want to face the fact that you had to go because it was better for you. No matter what there was nothing that could have prepared me, or any of us, for life without you in it.  
You are the man that has shown me what it is to be a good and decent person – how to love unconditionally and put those you love before yourself – how to do good from the bottom of your heart and to live selflessly. You are the man that left a positive mark on everyone you came into contact with. It’s because of you that I strive to be a better person each day. 


Through your actions, you taught me to always love unconditionally, to stand up for what I believe in, and to protect the people I love. I do my best to practice these three lessons everyday. Although you are not physically with us anymore, we still carry a part of you with us everyday. I know you were with me at graduation, and probably had the best seat in the house. Megan and I are blessed to have the most loving and supportive parents in the world. When you were in the hospital, all we wanted to do was take your pain away. We felt helpless, and it hurt so much. The pain will never fully go away, but we find comfort in knowing that you are no longer in pain. If he could speak here today, he would not want us to mourn over the fact that he is gone, but to celebrate the life he had and to remember all of the good times that he shared with us. So here’s to you Dad. The checkered flag has waved, and we are all celebrating what an amazing father, husband, and friend you were to us. I am so proud to be your son.

With Endless Love,
Your Son Kellen.

P.S. Go Dodgers.


Dear Dad,
	Sadly, the time has come for us to say goodbye to you, although you will live on with me forever. You were the best coach, mechanic, and role model that I could have ever asked for. While I feel the pain from losing you every single day, I find comfort in all of the memories that we have shared together. I remember everything from the countless weekends we spent together at the racetrack, to the endless rounds of batting practice that you threw to me. I remember how hard it was for me to quit racing because you had done it your whole life, and all I wanted was to be like you. But you did not try to convince me otherwise. You fully supported my decision to stick to baseball, and began studying it tirelessly. You taught me more about the game than any personal instructor we paid for, or any other coach I ever had. But most importantly, as a coach and a father, you helped me mature into the young man I am today. You taught me to accept failure and learn from it, rather than get upset, which happened from time to time when I was a kid. You taught me that things are not given to you in this world. You must work hard to reach your goals. But most importantly, you taught me that the world does not revolve around me, but around the people I love. 

Mike was my cousin and my friend. My daughter Morgan and Kellen grew up together at the same babysitter and school , so we got to share a lot of their field trips, programs and milestones. Mike was Morgan’s best customer during Girl Scout cookie time. Stan and Mike watched and analyzed many Clovis High football, baseball, volleyball, basketball games together... while Val and I just talked. He loved sports and was just a “little” competitive. He was definitely a fighter. He fiercely fought for what he believed in and protected those he cared for. It was nice knowing he’d have your back when it came down to it. I know he fought as hard as he could to stay with his family and friends as long as  possible. I’ll miss his smile, loud voice and laugh...but thankful for all the times we shared. 

Sherri


I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I worked for Mike at Children’s Hospital; he was an ideal colleague and leader. Mike was approachable, down-to-earth, friendly, and smart. He believed in and cared about his community. He was the type of person who thought laterally to solve problems and make sense of things. 
Mike had a way of making meetings more like simple conversations, and he would always take some of that time to discuss things other than work; especially sports. Because of this I truly enjoyed speaking with him, and because he always imparted some words of wisdom. What a truly great guy. I will always remember Mike, he will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences go out to his family.


Kylene and I are lifting you and your entire family up in prayer, especially for Megan and Kellen. May the wonderful memories during the many years with him  from high school sweet hearts to raising a family bring you comfort .

Much love to you, Valerie.

Wilma 

It had been a while since I saw Mike. However his Smile and his Laugh have a permanent place in my memory❤ 
Prayers of Love & Peace Valerie, Megan and Kellen and the Entire Family.  


Our Family always enjoyed spending time talking with the Araki Family during baseball season.  Baseball friends become baseball family and that's how we felt everytime we would see Mike and Valerie, like they are our family.  We were all saddened to hear about Mike's passing. Truly a great, cheerful,  humble, giving human being that we all will miss.   So glad Mike and Joe had the opportunity to coach our sons together 1 season,  great memories.  Prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult time. 

Dear Valerie,
I send warm thoughts to you and your family.  I am sorry for your loss and hope all your memories will bring you comfort and love.
Sincerely, Linda Staffero

Dearest Valerie and Family:

Our hearts are with you, at this time.

Too much loss in your family, to even comprehend. 

No words, just my heartfelt love and condolences to your entire family.

With love,
Melissa

Mike,

I have so many memories of you.  Here are just a few:
•	Summers playing Monopoly and Aggravation.  Not sure how you always managed to win without us catching you cheating.
•	Getting a kick out of when people would ask mom if we were twins; even though you always told me I was adopted.
•	Getting in trouble when you taught me those bad words; soap does not taste good.
•	Ditching Sunday school and hiding in the car; and then getting caught.
•	Nights at the go-kart races, going to the snack bar and sliding down the hills on cardboard.
•	Watching you water ski and doing those trick moves on doubles; watching you dance; you perfected the Robot; and watching you at track meets where you perfected your high jump technique; you spent hours and hours practicing in the backyard.  You always put 110% into everything.
•	We sure did fight as kids and argue as adults, but we had lots of fun and I only have fond memories of our times together.  Those are the memories that I will keep when I think of you, my younger brother who was always like a big brother.

My love to you always,
Sharon


I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing.  We worked together many years ago at Gesco!  We shared the same birthday, just a decade apart,  and a love of the Dodgers.  He always had a smile for everyone!  Thoughts and prayers to his family.


Val, Megan and Kellen,

We are so sorry to hear about Mike are thoughts and prayers are with you.  We remember Mike as loving sports even though he was a Dodgers fan. He will be greatly missed.


Pam, Jerry, Kevin and Greg

Val, Megan, and Kellen,
No words can express the sorrow we feel in hearing about Mike's passing....
remember the sweetest memories of him.
Chad, Diane, Alex, and Christopher

Val and family,

My sincerest and deepest sympathy in your loss.  My heart breaks for you.  Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

Sande Viau

Val, Megan, and Kellen,

It breaks our heart hearing of Mike's passing...what a great guy.  Our heartfelt condolences to you all and deepest sympathy.
Satoshi, Sandee, Brandon and CJ.

OBITUARY

Michael "Mic" Bruce Araki

November 22, 1958 – May 22, 2018

Lisle Funeral Home

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