Michael Keith Ames

Michael was raised and lived his entire life in East County, San Diego, a city to which he was fiercely loyal and extremely proud of. He was a devoted Chargers and Padres fan, and so he suffered greatly. He loved Dave Winfield, Ken Caminiti and Trevor Hoffman, but no one more than the Great Tony Gwyn. He loved Junior Seau and LaDainian Tomlinson. He loved Philip Rivers, even when no one else seemed to. His love of sports was such, that he frequently went to local high school football games, water polo matches and wrestling meets and he always cheered for the underdog. Michael loved taking his family to Balboa Park, El Monte County Park, and the Cabrillo National Monument. Many summers were spent at Silver Strand State Beach and Mission Bay. His sand castle building skills were rudimentary, but his body surfing skills were epic. He enjoyed going to Julian for pie and always debated whether to get the apple crumb or the boysenberry and he thought Marechiaros Italian Restaurant in El Cajon had the best pizza in town.

Never one to shy away from adventure, Michael traveled extensively. He was always curious and excited by the prospect of experiencing a new city or exploring the outdoors. Among the many places he visited in his lifetime, he was happiest to have journeyed to the Andes Mountains to realize a lifelong dream of seeing Machu Picchu, Peru. He was fortunate enough to be able to climb the adjacent mountain of Huayna Picchu and still considers it the best $30 he ever spent. Michael had great respect and affinity for our National Parks. He took his family to the Grand Canyon, Zion and Yosemite National Parks and he took great joy in exploring their beauty.

Michael served in the Air Force for 2 years. Perhaps because of his love of dogs (and all animals in general) he was assigned to the K9 Unit, where he trained dogs for military service. After being honorably discharged, he continued to work in the dog training industry for several years. He owned his own business where he trained dogs for the Oceanside and El Cajon Police Departments, as well as private clients. Michael eventually transitioned into the culinary arts, where he worked for 35 years. He owned his own restaurant in Pacific Beach and was Executive Chef for several hotels throughout San Diego. He was a member of the San Diego Chef's Association for 8 years and severed as President for 3 terms. He was also very active within the community, volunteering his time and skills to the Learning for Life Culinary Program for Youth, Meals on Wheels, and fundraising for the Fallen Officer's Fund of San Diego. He created lavish and delicious menus in a broad range of cuisines, complete with intricate fruit and vegetable carvings, but if you asked him what he really loved he'd tell you there was nothing better than a big cheeseburger and fries.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Marlene of 46 years, his daughter Nina Forbess and her husband Greg, his son Michael Dess, Grandchildren Sean Michael, Molly Josephine and Alyssa Breann, Sisters Laura Forrester, Theresa McDonough and many In-laws, nephews and nieces too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Michael's enthusiasm and zest for life was incomparable. He had a dry sense of humor and was fluent in the language of sarcasm. Often times, he made inappropriate jokes that never failed to have us howling with laughter. His love for his family was fathomless. He was an eternal optimist, a dreamer. Above all, he was generous and kind and loved with a giant, open heart. He was a man who could never be counted out, no matter how difficult the odds. He did things the way he wanted to and he did them without fear. His life was unique and meaningful beyond measure. We will miss him more than we can ever say.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost