Obituary of Michael Allen Coxwell

Michael Allen Coxwell was born April 23, 1949 to the late Joseph Coxwell and his wife, Bonnie Lynell Aaron in Mobile, Alabama. He left behind his wife of 16 years, Marianne; four children, Michael Jr., Erik, Greg, and Madison; and six granddaughters, whom he loved and cherished. There was no opportunity he did not take to spoil any of those girls, which was clear by the way his face lit up in describing them. After graduating high school in Santa Ana, California, he received his Master's Degree in Horticulture from the University of Florida. From there he enjoyed a long, fruitful career. Although he worked for many companies over his career, he treated each as his own. He would often take his work home, looking for a way to improve them. He went above and beyond to make sure that his fields exceeded his expectations. Mike called this community, and the fields he managed for his company, home for 25 years. Mike was the gentle giant, he did not come across a person he didn't befriend, everyone who knew him loved him. This community was as close as family to him, and one he was proud to be a part of. Many people say "that man would give you the shirt off his back," but if you ever met Mike, you would know that phrase does not do him justice- he'd give you his pants, too. He did so many things for so many people that they learned they could lean on him for support, and helping people brought him happiness. While he did not have much when he was raised, he never let his success get in the way of his wanting to aid anyone he met. Mike was the kind of man that if you needed something and he had it, it was yours. He was a philanthropist at heart. Being a hard-worker, a family man, a contributor at work and the community, it would seem that he is a very serious man, but that was not the case. He was a master at poking fun at himself to raise a laugh. He sang karaoke, whether he was in a lounge, or not. Mike was a master of getting the crowd on a happy note. However, planting was his life; he grew, not only to support his family, but because it was his passion. In his spare time he landscaped, traveled to photograph beautiful greenery, and doted on his "little doggies". No one had a thumb as green as Mike, and his absence will be sorely missed. The Viewing and Funeral Service for Mike will both be held on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz. The viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Funeral Service for Mike will begin at 2 p.m.