Michael Eugene Espinoza of Ventura, California passed away on October 19, 2022. A native of Ventura, born on December 17, 1968.
Michael loved music and was an accomplished drummer/musician and an artist in many mediums; metal/wood, ceramics, drawing and painting. Michael wrote poetry and was writing his autobiography. He was a big fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and other Sci-Fi movies, books and games.
Michael was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved the Lord and Church and had many beloved friends, teachers and mentors. Michael enjoyed attending Church, singing in the Choir and Church activities, such as, camping and Dodger games with mentors, Jon and Scott Bigler and numerous others. His Church friends provided Home Study, which meant so much to him.
Michael enjoyed several trips to Disneyland with Turning Point / New Vision Staff. He enjoyed
riding the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak Train North to Oregon and back.
Michael had health issues for most of his life, beginning in his High School years. His biggest battle was cancer. He battled cancer with courage and had many wonderful Doctors and other professionals to help him. A special thank you to Dr. Neil Jorgensen, he has been Michael's Doctor for decades. Thank you to all Michael's Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers at the Ventura County Medical Center, Community Memorial Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., the Ronald Reagan U.C.L.A. Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., and Ventura Post Acute. A special thank you to Jonathan, Michael's Nurse at Ventura County Medical Center in the Direct Observation Unit. Thank you to Loren, Michael's Social Worker, as well as, Dr. Groot. Thank you to Michael's friend from Church, Ole Ingwerson, who provided transportation and moral support on many trips to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles for appointments and procedures.
Michael was blessed by his Church, his Faith and his friends. He considered his Church friends his family. Michael was generous, kind and had a "Sweet Soul." He loved helping people and felt so blessed to have his own apartment in Downtown Ventura. He served as Church Janitor/ Custodian and considered the job his calling.
Michael is survived by his father, Joe Espinoza and half-sister, Malinda, of Brookings, Oregon. His mother and step-father, Judy and Bob Wisma of Ventura, Calif., and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and a niece and nephew.
Michael is also survived by his childhood friends; Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Sellars of Sylmar, Calif., and Mr. Michael Ladiana of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Michael entered into Eternal Life with the Lord and was laid to rest at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home in Downtown Ventura and Ivy Lawn Memorial Park for taking care of our family members since 1940.
Some of Michael's favorite Charities are: Turning Point / New Vision @ 1065 E. Main St., Ventura, Calif. 93001, Project Understanding, N.A.M.I., Ventura County Rescue Mission, Ventura County Food Share and the Humane Society of Ventura County.
We (the family) have been so blessed to have Michael Eugene in our lives for 53 years. He is forever in our hearts.