In Loving Memory of Michael A Barreras

Michael was born to be a movie star, he was born in Los Angeles, CA on March 13, 1957.

He is the son of Melvin & Lillie F. Barreras.

He is preceded in death by both parents, a loving sister, Darlene Ortiz-Martinez, brother Melvin
“Tim” Barreras,his niece, Erica D. Barreras, his great-niece, Everleigh D. Barreras, Baby Danny Ortiz, Maternal Grandparents, Jose & Carlota Gonzalez-Padilla, step-grandfather, Mathias Padilla, and Paternal Grandparents, Juan & Theodore Barreras.

He is survived by his siblings, David Mark Barreras I & wife Scarlot, and Carlota Ulibarri & husband Matthew. His soul-sisters & brother Joann Justiniano & her husband Nestor and Rosetta Martinez.

Nieces and Nephew Vera Dawn Ortiz, Brandi Ortiz, David “Mark” Barreras II & wife Kayla, and Domionna Ulibarri & partner Andrew Dabich.
Great-nieces Sierra, Aubrey, and Jasmine Sandoval, and great-nephew “David” Mark Barreras III.

Uncle and Godfather LeoRay Gonzales & his loving wife Lupe, his loving aunts, Gina Escobedo and Helen Gonzales, and Frances Barreras-Garcia & husband Pat.

Many cousins that are on the Gonzales & Barreras sides of the family.

Special thanks to Valerie Maly, Anna L. Jackard, Ray Rael and his wife Kelly, for all the love and blessing they have given Michael & his family before and during last week’s events.

Special thanks to Dr. Mark E. VanWormer who has always been there for Michael & his family.  The Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital and the ICU doctors and nurses who took such good care of Michael & Carlota.  They all treated Mike with the utmost care, kindness & dignity.

Michael was a true servant of God and the St. Frances Xavier Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and took great pride receiving the St. Frances of Assisi Award. This award was bestowed upon him for his generosity, kindness, helping in any capacity needed for all Father’s past and present along with the Lady’s Alter Society who were his “girls” as he would say.  Every Sunday all parishioners of St. Frances Xavier church were greeted by Michael who had a smile on his face, love in his heart with open arms.   On Sundays, besides the Father, he was usually the first one there and the last to leave.

First and foremost, the center of Michaels world was his personal relationship with God, Jesus and his Catholic faith.  The pure love and obedience he had for God was an extraordinary spiritual lesson for all of us.  He never questioned Gods intentions, interventions, or path He laid before him good or bad.  His faith was unshakeable. This made up a big part of who Michael was in this life.

Michael was a Clayton High School graduate, class of 1976.  He had many careers, dishwashing, busing tables, building fences for ranchers.  His favorite job was being his own boss and working as a landscaper.  He made his own hours and built his business literally from the ground up.

What was so special was wherever his mother Lillie cooked or waitressed there was Michael working right beside her as a dishwasher or bussing tables.  They were inseparable and had a special bond. He loved his entire family down to the core.    He loved all his friends and created bonds never to be broken. He would greet each and every person before him with his arms open and the biggest smile. Some have said that Michael made them feel that they were loved by him and made them feel as if they were the most important person at that moment.

Michael loved all things fishing, the Broncos, WWE wrestling, old cowboy movies such as, the Loan Ranger, Gun Smoke, Bonanza.  Texas Walker Ranger, Chuck Noris & Bruce Lee were his utmost favorite actors.  He loved music from oldies,60’s, 70’s & 80’s, Christian, and above all Tim McGraw.  Before Independence Day this year he wanted to buy a black cowboy hat because he wanted to look like Tim McGraw.  He was truly a cowboy at heart.

Remember Michael with that big smile on his face, love in his heart and his open arms to give you a hug.  He is home with his mother Lillie, father Melvin, his brother Melvin “Tim”, and his beautiful sister Darlene.  He is right where he belongs although his brother David & Sister Carlota will forever feel the loss.   Michael will be missed by all his family and friends, who he loved without boundaries.