Mike Esquibel

"Family above all, whatever life throws you...You can overcome" Growing up through the depression era, Mike worked hard in the fields of Colorado to help his family. Those hard times shaped him into the man we loved and adored. He possessed the ability to turm a bad situation into a treasured memory. His positive attitude was contagious. Mike was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

Mike was born on May 25, 1925 in Weld County, Colorado. His parents were James and Margarita Esquibel. Mike was raised in Greeley, Colorado.

Mike was one of five children. He had three sisters Josephine, Mary Ann, and Ramona, and one younger brother, Reuben. Living on the farm was a difficult life but he never complained. He glorified those days.

As a young boy, Mike started working the fields. After a hard day of work, wearing their work clothes and playing with homemade gloves. Mike, friends and family would play ball. They formed a team "The Charros" and joined a league. Mike played in the first Mexican sanctioned semi-pro league in Greeley, Colorado. In 1950 "The Charros" a team thrown together last minute, took on the league favorite "The Greeley Grays" in the Pan-American Tournament. Going all nine innings and beating the Grays 10-9 winning the tournament. In 1999, the Colorado Rockies honored the serving members of The Mexican baseball league before starting the game. Mike was a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football (Oakland Raiders) and baseball (Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants).

On September 12, 1941 Mike exchanged wedding vows with Ruth Quezada at the Justice of the Peace in Cheyenne, Wyo. His love for Ruth was the purest, they adored one another. Mike was the one who was able to bring out the best in others. He was a vibrant personality and a colorful vocabulary he enjoyed verbally sparring with Ruth. Mike loved the sound of laughter and loved to pull pranks. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Ruth's.

Mike was an amazing father of two, daughters Sallie Mae and Shirley Elaine. He was a loving grandfather of six, Mike, Debbie, Ronnie, Michelle, Clyde, and Devin. Mike was a caring great grandfather of 10 and adored his 4 great great grandchildren. Mike found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing.

In 1955, his new life involved relocating to San Jose, due to Ruth’s health. With little to nothing they made the journey to California. Mike’s primary occupation was a farmer and owner of his construction company. He owned and operated Mike Esquibel Construction Company for over 33 years. Mike always made an effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Serving on committees for the Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with his wife Ruth in Greeley, Colorado. Faith and religion were important to Mike. He was a member of the Catholic faith.

Mike was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Mike’s favorites was Clipper, a horse he had in Colorado but loved Penny and Babe too. Clipper and Mike were best friends for 15 years. His family was rounded out by his dogs Poopsie and the Curlies. (1 & 2)

Mike enjoyed playing golf and bowling with the family. He was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. Mike cherished his time spent with his family and friends.

Mike passed away on March 16, 2014 at Camden Convalescent Hospital in San Jose, California. Mike passed away after 15 years of living with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his daughter Sallie; his grandchildren Mike, Debbie, Ronnie, Michelle, Clyde, and Devin; his great grandchildren Jimi, Kristi, Brooke, Drew, Tyler, Casey, Griffin, AJ, Paris, and Josh; and his great great grandchildren Bayla, Page, Jackson, and Winter. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California.