Michael Reidenbach

John Michael Reidenbach, 74, passed away December 2nd. Mike is survived by his siblings Sandy, Patty, and Jim, his wife Patty, his three children Peter, David, and Sarah, his 7 grandchildren Finley, Fisher, Joe, Dane, Samantha, Kelly, and Maisie, and his beloved cat, Stinky. Mike excelled at giving and taking care of others, getting his kids out of traffic tickets, and getting his kids into undeservedly great colleges (although as far as we know, no money exchanged hands). Raised in Berkeley by parents Nancy Gilliland and John Reidenbach, Mike was the oldest of four children and went on to excel academically at Stanford and Hastings Law, and professionally at the Alameda District Attorney's office, as legal counsel at Pacific Gas & Electric for 46 years, through his self-built insurance company that he ran alongside his son, by becoming a published author, being a member of the screen actors guild for multiple decades, and serving in the United States Army Reserves. Mike was an Eagle Scout and Valedictorian. He was also was a family man who spent a lifetime trying to do better and better, so he could take care of his family better and better. He strived, worked, and dreamed every day of his life. Mike especially loved his grandkids who we will always remember him holding in his arms as babies, chasing and cuddling as toddlers, and taking pride in giving thoughtful gifts to. He lived with the extraordinary enrichment that comes from a generous heart. We are thankful that, after a life of hustle, our dad finally gets to rest. Due to the pandemic, his service will be private but a celebration will be planned for the future. We encourage you to celebrate in your own way; a glass of red or an act of unsolicited kindness would be appropriate. Donations can be made in his honor to the nonprofit that he helped create and sat on the board of: The Cohen Bray house and the Victorian Preservation Center at: https://www.cohenbrayhouse.org Our family spent Christmas at this historic home every year. Mike was exceptional, accomplished, devoted, and very loved. Rest in peace, Pops. We love you so much, and we'll take care of Stinky.