Miguel "Mike" Gonzales Chavez

Miguel “Mike” G. Chavez 

February 24, 1973 - January 27, 2023

 

Mike Chavez passed away peacefully just a month before his 50th birthday. Mike’s legacy lives on through his mother: Carolina Chavez, his three daughters: Antoinette, Lucille, and Carolina, and his four grandchildren: Penelope, Luan, Lila, and Paul. Mike was loved fearlessly by all his family, but especially by his sister and brother-in-law: Alice and Tom Novelich, and his nephews: Matthew and Mark. 

 

Mike was a well-known and courtesy Azusa native. If you were to ever cross his path in the street, he was guaranteed to engage in conversation with you. He had an intrinsic love for people and knowing their stories. Whether you were walking on foot or at the stop light next to him. You could imagine his stern face or warm smile, giving you a wave or telling you to “ride hard brother”. Mike loved going for long rides in the car, adventuring on his motorcycle, or taking his “little buggie” for a spin around the block. He was a frequent antique shopper and would often bring home “treasures” or what some might say, junk, that he found on the side of the road or made strong negotiations for. 

 

Mike was hilarious. His humor and wildly imaginative mind told the best stories. He captivated the minds of his children and his nephews with tall tales littered with only bits of truth from his adventures. In the same vein, Mike had a deep love and desire for giving you his best. If you were hungry, he would feed you. If you needed help with your car, he would say “step aside I’ll fix it for you”. If you needed love, he would embrace you with arms that were big and ready to hold you. If you wanted companionship, he would just be with you. If you wanted an earful of just about anything, he would talk to you till he was blue in the face. Mike was very good at being what you needed and loved filling those empty spaces. 

 

Mike also struggled. He had fought battle after battle with his health, addiction, and all that comes with the choices we make in life. Mike never wanted to die, he wanted to “LIVE”, and he sure did. 

 

Mike was cared for and catered too. He was given a life full of possibilities, joy, and everything he could ever need or wanted. His unexpected death will be a deep loss for The Chavez Family, and yet his memory will thrive and continue to bring nothing but the fondest memories to those that knew and remember him. 

 

Mike would want you to know that he loved you because he loved everybody. He cared for you, and 

he WILL see you again. In the meantime, pour a cold one out for him, and he will surely be howling from above.