Michael John Haake, 67, of Vacaville, California passed away on January 7, 2024.
He was born on October 25, 1956, in San Francisco to Marjorie and John Haake. Raised in San Mateo and upon graduating from Hillsdale High School, he joined the Navy to pursue a career in Electronic Warfare, traveling the world aboard the U.S.S. Constellation.
After returning home to San Mateo, he followed in the footsteps of his mother and father, continuing his work at Bay Meadows Racetrack as a Pari-Mutuel Clerk, often working alongside his mother in the Jockey Club. In 2009 he was elected as the Vice President and Northern California Business Agent/Representative for his union, PMEG Local 280 at Golden Gate Fields Racetrack. Always a union man, he was honored to lend a helping hand to all his many racetrack friends. He enjoyed working the fair circuits with his girlfriend, traveling up and down California visiting his favorite spots.
He was a builder of computers, a collector of antiques, and an urban chicken keeper. An unexpected liver transplant would give him a second chance at life and a new purpose in advocating for organ donation and a renewed faith in God. In recent years he had reignited his passion for traveling but would always return to his favorite views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Michael is survived by his longtime girlfriend Charlene Allen; his four children: Christina Collier (Jason), Melissa Parker (Justin), Tyler Haake and Erin Haake; his seven grandchildren: Travis, Leah, Hailey, Austin, Jaxon, Imogen, and Ford. He is also survived by his sister Judy Gori and brother Mitchell Haake (Wendy).
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Marjorie Haake, and brothers Jimmy and Joel.
He will be remembered for his great hair, unwavering sense of humor, fondness for Costco, and his unconditional love for his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary, 101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito, California, 94530.
In honor of our dad, a 20-year transplant survivor, and in lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor and registering at donatelifecalifornia.org.
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