Obituary of Mike Gutierrez

Our Dad, Mike Gutierrez, passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2020.  He was born in Kingsville, Texas on September 29, 1915, which made him 105 years old.  He loved his family and friends unconditionally.  He definitely was loved and respected by all the lives he touched through his beautiful music.  He was a self-taught musician at the age of four.  His favorite quote was, “Keep your word, and never be late.” He was a professional accordionist and played with many bands, from the state of Washington to his proud state of Texas.  He settled in Salinas, California in 1963 along with his six children and his loving wife Ma. Santos.  He loved and lived life to its fullest was extremely positive and had an awesome sense of humor.  Even at the age of 105, he was still entertaining at small events, such as flea markets, fruit stands, personal home parties and nursing homes.  People were amazed at his wittiness and that he still remembered all his lyrics while singing and playing.  He loved our Lord and knew that one day he would call his name; he was ready to go home.  His family, of course, was never ready to let him go.  In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank his nurses and doctors from Natividad Medical Center for gently holding his hand while playing Tejano music and singing a song while transitioning and entering the Kingdom of Heaven to be with our Lord.  He will truly be missed, but forever stay in our hearts.  Now Dad, show the Lord what you can do with that accordion!  We Love You, Your Family.

Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Ma. Santos; his son and daughter-in-law, Roy and Linda Gutierrez; His son, Mike Gutierrez, Jr.; and two brother-in-laws, Vern (husband of Estella) and Dagoberto (husband of Olivia).  His is survived by his children, Nena (Leonardo) Ramirez, Angie (Juan) Cross Sr., Danny (Tina) Gutierrez, and Irene Gutierrez.  He is also survived by his siblings, Estella Cole of Moses Lake, Washington, Carmen Murray of Spokane, Washington, and Olivia Zubiate of Salinas, California; and his 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. 

Services for Mike will take place at Healey Mortuary on Friday, October 23, 2020 with a viewing from 9am-12pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 12pm and a Rosary Service at 1pm.  He will be laid to rest at Garden of Memories in Salinas, California.