Michael Becher

Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend

Son of Michael C. and Roberta (Ankenbrand)

Brother of Jeffrey and Veronica (Montes); Stephen and Robyn (Morris)

Uncle of Lauryn, Brandon, Emily and BJ

“Uncle” of Junior, David, Angel, Alexandria “Trini” and Luis

Nephew of Dr. John Becher and Paula (Catrambone); Dr. Patrick Becher and JoAnne (Bollenbach); Jeanette Brace (Ankenbrand) and George; Joseph Ankenbrand and Molly (Russakoff) and many Cousins and Friends

Mike was born on May 7, 1964, at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA, the oldest son of Mike and Bobbie. He was baptized by his great uncle, Rev. Joseph Foth, S.M. at Holy Child Catholic Church in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Miss Marty’s PreSchool and Kindergarten in Germantown, PA; graduated from Norwood-Fontbonne Academy in Chestnut Hill, PA; attended Hayfield High School in Alexandria, VA; and graduated from Granada Hills High School in Granada Hills, CA. He received his Associate of Arts Degree in Architecture Technology from Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA, as a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Student.

In an effort to attain higher levels of excellence in his chosen profession, Mike continually completed Certification Courses, including technical courses at Westech College in Fontana CA, and other college courses, and was in the process of becoming a Registered Architect in California.

On a career path to owning his own company, Innovative Concepts, he worked with Structural Engineers, Architects, Professional Consultants, Construction Management Firms and Government Agencies on residential and commercial projects. He designed and created models for new homes, remodels, multi-unit dwellings and recording studios. Mike’s first architectural position, 33 years ago, was working for Mike Silva, owner of Form Architectural, Inc., who became a life-long friend. Other colleagues, David Lootens and John Lootens were also long-time friends. Michael was an Associate Member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the A.I.A.

An important facet of Mike’s life was his dedication and service as an usher to the Faith Community of St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church in Lake Balboa. He faithfully exemplified the Ministry of Hospitality for over 15 years. His fellow usher friends included Jesse Larios and John Williams, and he considered many of the 7:30 Sunday morning parishioners his friends, Manny and Tess, Olivia, Elena, Lee, Mike Radcliffe, and former Pastor, Rev. Anh-Tuan Nguyen.

Mike loved sports. He and his younger brothers, Jeff and Steve, spent countless hours perfecting their skills and just having fun. When he was growing up on the East Coast, Mike cheered for the Orioles, the 76ers and the Flyers. As a young boy, he played football and baseball for his elementary and high schools, as well as playing American Legion Baseball. Later, as an older teen and adult living on the West Coast, he rooted for the Dodgers, the Kings and the Lakers. Somewhere along the way, he became a passionate Chicago Bears fan, and gathered with friends every Sunday during football season to cheer for “Da Bears”.

Mike’s great sense of humor endeared him to everyone. He had an easy smile, was kind, compassionate and warm-hearted. His friends included all age groups. He was an awesome uncle to his nieces and nephews, as well as all the other children who called him “uncle”, because he was so young at heart. He was a lovable, wonderful older brother who could always be counted on; admired for his sports skills, but mostly for his genuine, out-going personality. His parents loved the “gift” of Michael and will cherish the memories of the years with him. He was truly a loving, caring son, and his endearing spirit will be with us always.

Michael died suddenly from cardiac arrest on Thursday, September 28, 2017, the vigil of the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, his favorite saint.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

MICHAEL C. BECHER III

MAY 7, 1964 – SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

VIEWING AND ROSARY – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2017

BASTIAN & PERROTT, OSWALD MORTUARY

18728 PARTHENIA STREET, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324

FUNERAL MASS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017

10:00

ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN CHURCH

7100 WHITAKER AVENUE, LAKE BALBOA, CA 91406

BURIAL

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017

SAN FERNANDO MISSION CEMETERY

11160 STANWOOD AVENUE, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345

PALLBEARERS

Jeff Becher, Steve Becher, (Brothers); Pat Becher (Uncle); Brandon Becher (Nephew)

Pat Becher (Cousin); Edwin Ramirez (Brother-in-law); Ben Montes (Brother-in-law)

Ushers from St. Bridget Parish (Friends)

Honorary Pallbearers

Emily Becher, BJ Becher, Alexandria “Trini” Ramirez (Nieces and Nephew)

FUNERAL MASS

Presider: Rev. Mariano Garrido

Music: Marcos Mendoza; Cantor: Michaele Lopez

1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3 Lector: Jeff Becher (Brother)

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3 ,4, 5, 6 The Lord is My Shepherd Psalmist: Trini Ramirez (“Niece”)

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1 Lector: Pat Becher (Uncle)

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a (Beatitudes) Rev. Mariano Garrido

Homily: Rev. Mariano Garrido

Offertory Song: Lord You Come to the Water (Spanish)

Consecration

Communion Song: How Great Thou Art

Farewell Messages:

Trini: I loved my “Uncle” Mike… “Uncle’ Mike liked Tequila, so I hope he is drinking a Tequila in Heaven.

BJ: Uncle Mike was my best friend… I’ll miss my Uncle Mike.

Jeff’s Eulogy: Mike was a great guy!... (See complete Eulogy)

Song of Farewell – May Angels Lead You to Paradise… You Are Mine

Sending Forth Song: On Eagles Wings

Mike was a great guy! Anyone who met him loved him. He was thoughtful, charming, caring, funny and passionate about so many things. And Michael loved to share whatever it was that captured his attention at the time.

Michael cherished his friends and his family and his church.

Growing up after Mike was a challenge. He pushed the boundaries so much that I wasn’t allowed to do anything!

But Michael was a big influence on me when we were growing up.

Most of the music I like Mike introduced them to me either by album, radio or sneaking downstairs to watch Midnight Special or Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert.

We also would sneak downstairs to watch Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Saturday Night Live and Benny Hill.

Michael was hilarious. His silliness could have you rolling on the floor. The voices and characters he would do were entertaining to say the least, but it was his facial expressions that I’ll miss the most. One little look and you couldn’t stop laughing! As brothers often do, we would call each other girls names. For me, that was simple, I called Mike “Michelle”! But what do you do with “Jeff “?? Mike created “Jeffreaka”!! And somehow that was so much worse than “Michelle”!!

As brothers often do, we would try to gross each other out, while trying to make the other laugh the hardest! When we were supposed to be asleep in our bunk beds, we would hold competitions! That’s right! Passing gas competitions! I usually ended up changing my shorts from trying too hard, but Mike was a natural! and let me tell you, Mike had a God given talent! He could do it on command!!

But that wasn’t his only talent. Michael was a 5 tool baseball player and a dominating pitcher, was a great basketball player with the prettiest jump shot, he was without question the best athlete in the neighborhood, school, or anywhere else he was at the time. That may explain how, at his size, he could dance around like a ballerina if it would make someone laugh.

To give you an idea of how tough Michael was, in our neighborhood in Philadelphia, everyone had a nickname. Mike’s nickname was “Shultzie”! I know, you’re thinking “Schultzie???? There was a player in the ‘70’s for the Philadelphia Flyers named Dave Schultz. He led the league in penalty minutes. What that means is anytime anybody tried to hurt leading Scorer Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz would jump on the ice and beat the crap out of them. That worked well for me because my nickname was “Little Schultzie” and nobody messed with me. Thanks Mike!

I can remember countless Road Trips squished into the back seat of our VW Squareback. Mike would organize the back scratching.

Another thing that Mike was very talented at was designing and building things. If we were building a fort, curving the blade of your hockey stick, or taping lines on the basement floor at Grandmom and Grandpop’s house to make our own little hockey arena; it was always Michael’s design and it was always perfect! Once when we were about 13 and 14, we had a “pitch back “. In the 1970s there was this metal frame with a net that would bounce the ball back at you. Well it was hockey season and Mike came up

with this idea to turn our “pitch back “ into a hockey goal! We stayed up all night using my Dad’s rolls of twine to create a hockey goal while being quiet so we wouldn’t get caught by Mom and Dad.

I idolized Michael when we were little. And looking back, I can think of at least one way he used to take advantage of that. He would always convince me to play goalie by calling me “The Great Goalie with Guts”, then proceed to tee off on me!! Well, you did make me tougher! Thank you, Mike!

He honed his talents into becoming an excellent architectural draftsman and was preparing for the Architect License Exam, which was his dream!

I truly believe the role Michael relished the most was as Uncle Mike! It was like Norm in the TV show Cheers! Whenever Michael showed up for a family gathering the chant of “Uncle Mike “ would be heard from every niece, nephew, brother and sister in law! Michael would bound into the party never empty-handed and immediately become the center of the gathering, telling stories of his day and making everyone laugh. I know Veronica and Marybell will miss their drinking buddy. I do see Mike in my son BJ sometimes with a look or expression or a mannerism! Or in my daughter with her sense of independence so similar to his. I find some comfort in these things and I know Michael will live on deep in all of our hearts! We have so many wonderful memories we are left with!

I’ll miss the facial expressions, the paradoxical stories about whatever was tormenting you at the time, the excitement in your voice when you were talking about something new to you or important to you, the unconditional love you shared with all of us, that boy who still dwelled within you that both frustrated and endeared you to us even more! Life has lost a little of its luster!