Michael Albert Olaeta
February 27, 1951 ~ May 23, 2011
PRUNEDALE - After a courageous battle with cancer, Michael passed away on May 23, 2011 at his home in the company of his family.
Michael was born in Monterey, California on February, 27, 1951, the fifth of eight children born to his mother, Camille, a pianist, and his father, Joey Olaeta, a local educator.
Growing up in Monterey, he attended local schools where he was an outstanding football and baseball player who made all league at Monterey High school. He graduated with the class of 1969, and went on to study electrical engineering at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
It was during this time that he met Nancy Ataide of Carmel Valley, who was to become his wife for 39 years. Together they raised two children, Andrea and David. They lived in various cities on the Monterey Peninsula, eventually settling in Prunedale.
Michael was hired by Pacific Gas and Electric in 1972 and worked his way up from groundman to lineman and later was made electric crew supervisor. He was highly regarded as a fair and principled boss, who worked through many storms and winter nights, and he became a respected mentor and friend to his colleagues.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family to the Hawaiian Islands, the East coast of the United States and many points in between. Michael also led a quiet family life at home, caring for his children and grandchildren. An avid San Francisco Giants fan, he rarely missed watching or listening to a game and was overjoyed when they went on to win the World Series in 2010.
Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, David (Juanita); daughter, Andrea Lacy (Tim) and grandsons, Joshua and Lucas Lacy and Elijah and Aidan Olaeta. He also leaves his mother, Camille of Monterey; brothers, Joe (Andi) of Monterey, Daniel of San Francisco; sisters, Carmen Scholis of Pacific Grove, Camille Wilson (David) of Charlottesville, Va., Ramona Reed of Seaside, Juanita Dangerfield (Ronald) of Shingle Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Joey and brother, Laurence.
Visitation is Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Seaside Funeral Home, 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011 at St Angela's Church, 146 8th, Pacific Grove. Committal will follow at Mission Memorial Park in Seaside.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Coast Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, P.O. Box 2480, Monterey, CA 93942.
Arrangements are under the direction of Seaside Funeral Home. For more information please visit seasidefunerals.com.
