Michael Edward Laney

Our beloved son Michael Edward Laney, age 36, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 23, 2023 in Fairfield, CA. He was born in Whittier, CA on May 8, 1987, the 5th child and 4th son of Blaine N. and Dorothy A. Wagstaff Laney, also of Fairfield. Michael’s childhood was spent in Rowland Heights, CA where he grew up with his four older siblings, and made many friends. He enjoyed Cub Scouts, karate, AYSO soccer, Little League baseball, music and art and was in the GATE program. When he was twelve years old, he moved with his family to Fairfield, California, where he attended Dover and Sullivan Middle Schools, and Fairfield High School where he participated in wrestling, cross country, track, tennis and rugby. He was an excellent student, taking several AP classes and graduating with high honors from Fairfield High School in 2005. He furthered his education at Brigham Young University and Solano Community College. He also worked in a variety of positions in retail, hospitality, environmental tech, and as an Uber driver. He eventually received an A+ certificate in Computer Technology and worked in this field for several years as an IT tech. Michael was active in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout in 2005. He loved his country and the values it stood for, and his Eagle project involved recruiting volunteers to write letters of appreciation to local servicemen and women at Travis AFB. He believed in God and achieved Duty to God certificates and Seminary certificates of completion in the LDS Church for 2 years. He also earned a Certificate of Membership from Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center in Vacaville. His life exemplified many Boy Scout values. He was helpful, friendly and kind, assisting many friends and neighbors with yard work or other odd jobs. He was compassionate and generous to those less fortunate. He was funny with a great sense of humor, and brightened the room with his cheerful smile. He enjoyed being around other people and having fun, whether it was playing games, watching movies or sports, or just hanging out with friends and family. He loved animals, especially his cat, Polito who was often by his side, and enjoyed volunteering at the local animal shelter. Michael also loved being out in nature, and loved camping and hiking in the out of doors. He was a good cook, and also enjoyed singing, studying astronomy, ancient history, and learning more about his ancestors and where they came from. He was creative and talented. Michael loved his family and was loyal and devoted to that which he believed in. He faced difficult challenges with bravery and courage and tried his best to encourage others do the same. Michael is survived by his parents, Blaine and Dorothy Laney of Fairfield, CA; three brothers and one sister; Jared (Laurel) Laney, San Antonio, TX; Robert (Tiffany) Laney, Moreno Valley, CA; Holly (Miranda) Laney, Sacramento, CA and Steven Laney, Fairfield, CA, as well as seven nieces and nephews: Isaac, Noah, Eleanor, and Natalie Laney, and Malachi, Richard and Aurelia Laney, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was pre-deceased by all four of his grandparents plus one uncle. A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 8th, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2700 Camrose Ave., Fairfield, CA 94533, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at the same location. The service will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/4CyqqiM4TNA?feature=share, all times are Pacific Standard Time. Burial will follow at the Rockville Cemetery, 4219 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, CA 94534. Arrangements are being handled by Oak Park Hills Chapel in Walnut Creek, CA.