In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory to the Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org) 435-644-2001, or, to the “Kindred Spirits” program of the Humane Society of the U.S. (humanesociety.org) 866-720-2676 are appreciated.
Mike R. Enriquez was born in Los Angeles on September 20, 1931 to Jovita (Cabrera) Enriquez and Joaquin Enriquez of Durango, Mexico. His two older brothers, Pablo and Joaquin, predeceased him, so when Mike passed away August 30, 2013, he was the last male of this line of Enriquez’s. He was the baby of the family and was especially loving and generous to his Mom and 3 sisters: Julia, Mary Lou, and Gloria. Thanks to those sisters, he has 10 nephews and nieces and 39 great- and great grand-nephews and nieces.
Mike graduated from Cathedral High School; he was Class of 1952 and our family’s first “Phantom.” His niece, Rita, would tell him fondly that he “looked great” in his school jacket.
Mike served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Era. He said that he “didn’t mind the military” and while stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, he explored a bit of Europe. He wrote to his Mom and sent her gifts and pictures, which she would share with everyone, especially their family in Mexico.
When he returned home, he began his 40 year career in the Restaurant Industry. He was employed at The Brown Derby Restaurant at Hollywood and Vine. His step-father, Efren Diaz, was the Head Pastry Chef there during the years that Hollywood legends were regular patrons. Mike ultimately negotiated the sale of Effie’s recipes, including the 1 for the grapefruit cake created for Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons that is still in The Brown Derby’s Recipe Book. Mike had many stories about the celebrities he met - from Cecil B. DeMille to Bette Davis to Elvis Presley!
It took a while, but The Beverly Wilshire Hotel wooed Mike away from the restaurant. Then, for twenty-eight years, he was the Food Buyer for the private University Club of Los Angeles, where he also established high quality standards and oversaw special events. Mike enjoyed working with chefs and over the years, continued cooking and hosting dinner parties for friends. His niece, Rosie, remembers him recreating for his Mom the beautiful themed Christmas trees he’d do at the Club and John says that Christmas continued to be Mike’s favorite holiday. John Cahoon was Mike’s partner and best friend for 43 years. They have resided in San Gabriel for the past 35 years.
Mike’s goddaughter, Leticia, recalls that he didn’t enjoy staying in Mexico when he was young. However, he did love to travel! He and John went to Europe and across the United States. Mike especially loved New England in the fall, the California coast and, of course, Solvang. He was enthusiastic about The Olympic Games and attended four. Mike also loved watching tennis on TV. He enjoyed live theater, too, and, like his sister, Julia, he had the best laugh!
Mike loved animals, especially his “kids” – Woofie, Mama Kitty, and Baby. Thus, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory to the Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org) 435-644-2001, or, to the “Kindred Spirits” program of the Humane Society of the U.S. (humanesociety.org) 866-720-2676 are appreciated.
In Mike’s memory, Graveside services will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at San Gabriel Cemetery which is located at 601 West Roses Road in San Gabriel, CA 91775
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18