Charismatic. Respectful. Athletic. Talented. Kind. Caring. Giving. Funny. These are just some of the ways friends and family, even acquaintances, describe Michael. How do you begin to describe someone whose smile could brighten your day or light up a room. How can you summarize a person’s life legacy who was a father for a few brief years. How do you convey the impact of a young man who touched so many lives with his kind spirit, talent, and caring heart.
Michael had a big smile, he had a great laugh, that kind of infectious spirit that people gravitated towards. He was a big brother, caring and looking out for his siblings. Not above the occasional prank or rough housing of course. He was also a doting son, even in adulthood finding time to spend with parents. He was an involved father, caring for his son and three adopted nieces. He loved his family, his elders, his grandmas, his cousins, aunties and uncles, family was everything to him. He was also a great friend, always down for the adventure and always fun. He was so many things to so many people, which is why his loss stings our community so much. He was young, with so much left to do, so much more to give, and so many dreams and goals laid before him.
Michael Robles graduated from Sierra High School in 2017. He was a star athlete, playing basketball and enjoyed golf. Michael was also a star on the track, racing dirt bikes for many years off road and on the track. Most recently he had started racing again in Madera. His love of bikes also led him to the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Phoenix Arizona. After graduating from that program in 2019 he returned back to his hometown with dreams of starting his own bike business in the Prather and Auberry community. Michael was often the ‘go-to’ expert for many bikers, his skills and talents helping many others. Michael was also well known and respected for his grass dancing and flute playing.
As a proud Native American, he was most recently selected to represent the Big Sandy Rancheria at the 2023 PowWow & Gathering as the Head Man, and years prior as the Brave. He had also danced at many pow Wows for the Table Mountain Rancheria for many years. Michael was beloved and known throughout our community.
His tragic loss has impacted many lives as he was well known in our community and loved by so many. He leaves behind many friends and family, many memories and stories, and many loved ones that he cared for. From Kindergarten teachers to bikers, Michael had friends from many walks of life, and will be greatly missed by countless.
A visitation for Michael will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720. A graveside service will occur Friday, August 18, 2023 at Table Mountain Rancheria Cemetery, 23736 Sky Harbour Road, Friant, California 93626.
Serving as pallbearers are Myron Davis, Mikey Lee, Raymond Heredia, Winston Moore, Dalton Alec, Tim Lee, Andrew Lewis, Thomas Young, Cyrus Robles, Alan Orosco, Brandon Garcia, William Johnson, Cole Battles, Ira Bill, Luke Bill, John Matthews and Quenton Hilton.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Robles family.
