Obituary of Mike Lupe Lopez

With deep heartache and sadness our dad took his journey up to heaven January 29th, 2013 at the age of 69. He passed peacefully in his sleep with his shoes on and money in his pocket. He recently had the flu and a terrible cough that he couldn't fight off. He is survived by his kids, Alicia (Lopez) Nulph, Bo Lopez, Tamara Lopez, and Dia McLaughlin, all from Santa Cruz. Mike is also survived by his son-in-law, Jim Nulph, his granddaughters, Ashley Rowe of Santa Cruz, Shelby Rowe of Merced, Melissa Nulph of Santa Cruz, and Tiffany Bitney and her daughter, Michaela of Santa Cruz, his God-son Todd Cotter of Santa Cruz, numerous nieces and nephews, along with his extended family in Gilroy, "The Ochoa's". He was preceded in death by his mother, Elisa "Alice" Ochoa, who passed away on April 13, 2004. As a small toddler, Mike was taken unwillingly from his mother by his father, Maximilian, living at labor camps up and down the coast and having to work in the fields as a small child. This went on until his father heard that his mother hired people to search for him. He was returned to his grandmother's house at the age of 9, not knowing any of his family or how to speak English. His mother, aunts and uncles taught him to speak English and at the age of 12 his mother moved them to Santa Cruz. In his mid-teens, Mike started working at Adolph's Restaurant as a dish washer, and then he was promoted to Chef and made the best Ravioli's in town. He attended Santa Cruz High School for a short time, but left to work full-time at Adolph's. At the age of 25, Mike married the love of his life, Diana Jo, who had 2 small children. He decided to make a career move and become a Master Mechanic Tile Setter for the Union. At this time, he moved to Florida with the help of his dearest true friend, Buggs Cotter. In 1973, Mike decided to move back to Santa Cruz, with his first born, having his second in 1980. Mike and Diana Jo divorced a short time later. Mike always said," I have some regrets, they're just learning experiences. It is what it is and I can say I've done mostly everything I wanted to, but just a little crazy." He lived his life one day at a time. Mike has always held his granddaughters close to his heart, but wished he would have made it a point to be more involved with them. He was a great and loving dad, he never turned his back on any of his kids and he was a very hard worker and good provider. Dad, Grandpa Mike, Padre Mike, you will be forever in our heart and memory. You're our shining star now. A Memorial Service will be held for Mike on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz beginning at 10 am. This is a casual gathering.