Michael Lockard

Michael "Mikey" W. Lockard born February 18, 1949 began his new journey on October 12, 2013. He left this world in his home surrounded by his loving family. Mike was known for his strong work ethics. As a young man he worked in the lettuce fields, where he learned the importance of hard work. Mike was hired by the City of Salinas as a painter in 1967 and worked while contuing his education in Fire Science and was hired by the City of Salinas Fire Department in 1972. Mike was named "Firefighter of the Year" in 1978 and promoted to Captain in 1995. Mike loved his firefighter career and was proud to serve his community. Mike retired on June 16, 2005, after 34 years of services. Mike was dedicated to his family, firefighter brotherhood and his community. He was a master craftsman and painter and always had a project in the works. He assisted many friends and family members in building custom homes, assisting with repairs, installing wood-burning stoves and anything that friends or famiy needed help with. Mike was a mentor to many and enjoyed teaching others his crafts. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was the happiest when he was surrounded by family, friends and good food. He and Lynette enjoyed many years of retirement traveling and went on many cruises with dear friends. Most recently, he enjoyed spending time at his lake house with his family and cruising the lake in his boat listening to his favorite CD from the movie, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?". Mike enjoyed fishing and teaching the younger kids how to fish and carried on tradition of making the kids kiss their first fish! He was known for his sense of humor and funny stories of which there were many. Mike was the heart and soul of his family. He was our Hero. Mike was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by all. The Family would like to give special thanks to those who assisted with Mike's care; Dr. James Hoffman, Dr. Peyman Haghighat and staff, Dr. Kenneth Biehl and staff, Dr. Terrance Trapp, Dr. Kenneth Nowak and staff,, Dr. Jon Page and staff, Hospice of the Central Coast Nurses, Shannon and Tammy and CNA, Jim. The Family is grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to Mike and his family during the difficult time. Special thanks to Steve Furtado, Humberto Carrillo and Suzy Cottle-Gavalla and the Salinas City Firefighters Association and numerous others for their support and dedication to our Family during this time. Mike is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Lynette; his daughter, Wendy Lockard Vigil (Danny); son, Matt Lockard (Vanessa) and sisters, Debbie Lockard and Becky Olaguibel (Rick). Mike is also survived by seven grandchildren; Ashley, Alyssa, Shelby (Kyle, Nicole, Sarah, Kaylee and Evan; six great-grandchildren; Isaiah, Mikayla, Josiah, Mikenzie, Ryan and Jacob Michael; nephew, Rick Olaguibel, Jr. (Claudia) and Junior; niece, Destiney Olaguibel and great-niece and nephew, Irie and Virgil Olaguibel. In addition to numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins; former son-in-law, Harold Sims, chosen children that he opened his home and heart to; Jason and Stephanie Smith, Humberto Carrillo, Steve Wilson, J.J. Jones, Kenny Harris, Jr., Jeff and Monica Dacpano, Walter Sims and David Sims; best and closest friends, Tommy "TJ" and Patsy John, close cousins, Gloria Gomes (Danny) and Brenda Baricza (John), Fred Berry (Suzie), brother-n-law, Jim Maxwell (Vesta) of Hollister; sister-in-law, Shelley Penney (Rod) of Hollister. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Betty Lockard and sister, Sherry Seaton. The Salinas City Fire Department, along with Family and friends, will honor Mike with a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 12 noon, at the Monterey County Sheriff Posse Grounds located on Old Stage Road in Salinas. All are encouraged to join us for this special occasion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's honor to Hospice of the Central Coast, the Salinas City Firefighter's Association Benovolent Fund, or the Americal Cancer Society.