Mr. Michael Arthur Bakula

Michael Bakula Sr.

2-4-51 ~ 3-22-19

Dean Mike,

You left us too soon. As your wife of 39 years I wish to thank you for your love,

kindness, generosity, sense of humor and concern as I have battled health problems.

You are and always will be the love of my life and my best friend.

No one worked harder than you for your family. Stephanie, Joey, Michael James and I

appreciate all you did for us so we could live a good and safe life.

The tears are flowing as I compose this but I know you have been reunited with our

son, Michael James in Heaven. The pain you endured, as we both did,

with his passing left us both in a state of numbness for the last 3 years. We were

each others rock. That is who we were and always will be, Mike and Liisa forever.

I love you.

Mike was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 4, 1951 to Frank and Lola Bakula. Mike

is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert and beloved son,

Michael James. He is survived by his wife Liisa Bakula, children Joe Bakula and wife

Vanessa, Stephanie Bakula-Ribeiro and husband Brian,

6 cats (all rescues) and 1 rescued dog and a countless number of friends.

Mike was out of town when he passed (alone, privately, quick, no pain, the way he

and his family would want), with his friends Bill and Tony Dotson. Thank you Bill

for handling things for me. That could not have been easy as I know.

How close you two were. You and Tony did me a tremendous service. I can't imagine

how difficult it was for you to make that phone call to me, and Stephanie. You are

our angel.

Tony, Mike loved talking, laughing, and strategizing with you. Thank you for going

through that difficult time.

Mike worked for the Kelleher Corporation for oven 40 years. The Kelleher Corp.

employees and all of his customers, he considered his friends. Mike always left

them laughing.

Mike was so proud of his children Joey and Stephanie. Joey for his kindness, strong

work ethic, and his hyperness and many more good qualities.

Stephanie, also for her strong work ethic, kindness, and of course hyperness. Mike

was especially proud of Stephanie's cat rescue, Save Me Right Meow, which she has

spent hundred's of hours and thousand's of dollars, of her own money to rescue sick, homeless cats, get them healthy, and find them a home.

Golf was a huge part of his life until some years ago. So many life-Iong friendships

came out of his golf and in his time he was one of the best.

Mike was a scratch golfer.

Mike was the Fresno City Amateur Golf Champion in 1971 and the Fort Washington

Country Club Champion in 1983. His claim to fame came was when he hit his tee shot

and it hit a crop duster.

Joey and Stephanie will never forget one of his 1000's of memorable accomplishments

with golf. One that sticks out, is at the young age at of 19. Who plays golf

barefoot? Well, Mike Bakula Sr.!

He shot 62 playing barefoot at Palm Lakes, back then, the most exclusive group in

the Northern California Golf Assn. handicap list.

Mike also served in the National Guard

The family requests no flowers. Remembrances can be made to Save Me Right Meow at

Paypal, [email protected] or E-mail Stephanie at [email protected] to mail a

check. She can also be reached via phone on text,

5S9-285-4380. If you prefer to donate to another non-kill shelter of your choice,

my Dad would want that as well.

Services will be private. Visitation at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 E. Saginaw Way, Fresno, 93704, Thursday, March 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:0O p.m.

Dear Daddy,

GONE TO SOON!

How on where do I go from here? Day-to-day? Hour-to hour? Minute-to-minute?

You were my world, my everything, now a huge irreplaceable part of me is gone.

You guided me personally and professionally. You taught me at a very young age the

importance of a strong work ethic and I will continue striving it to make you proud.

I will terribly miss your daily phone calls, emails, texts and surprise gift cards

to ensure I get my Starbucks coffee fix and to eat lunch.

Friends and family tell me "you're alot like your dad.. you have his strength!" I'm

not sure where that strength went when I need it most but I can assure you I will

find it again, for you Daddy, for you.

Mom, Michael, Joey and I lived without worries because of you. You worked extremely

hard, not for yourself, but for your family!

Your love, dedication, generosity and support is unattainable. Please know that I

will do my best to provide the same for my family as you have.

My promise to you Dad....is, that Brian and I will take care of mom and all the fur

babies and you take care of my dearly missed brother in heaven, your son Michael

James.

Until we meet again.

Rest In Peace Daddy,

Forever Love, your daughter

Stephanie Bakula-Ribeiro