This memorial website was created in memory of our dad, John Michael Reidenbach. Mike is survived by his siblings Sandy, Patty, and Jim, his wife Patty, his three children Peter, David, and Sarah, his seven grandchildren Finley, Fisher, Joe, Dane, Samantha, Kelly, and Maisie, and his beloved cat, Stinky. Mike excelled at giving and taking care of others. 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 over 40 years, through his self-built insurance company that he ran alongside his son, by becoming a published author, as a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and by serving as Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves for several decades. Mike was an Eagle Scout and valedictorian. He treasured collaborating with his BNI friends at their weekly meetings. He was at his happiest rowing a boat on a family vacation at the lake. He was a family man who spent a lifetime trying to do better and better, so he could take care of his family and friends better and better. He strived, worked, and dreamed every day of his life, while also finding time for lifting weights, starting businesses, and being Scotty's body double in a Star Trek movie. Mike especially loved his grandkids, and we will always remember him holding them in his arms as babies, goofing off with and cuddling them as toddlers, and taking pride in giving them thoughtful gifts on every occasion. 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 him in your own way; a glass of red or an act of unsolicited kindness would be appropriate. Please leave your memories and condolences on this website for us all to share.
Donations can be made in his honor to the nonprofit that he sat on the board of: The Cohen Bray house and the Victorian Preservation Center at:
https://www.cohenbrayhouse.orgOur family spent Christmas at this historic home every year.
Mike was exceptional, accomplished, devoted, and very loved. Rest in peace, Pops. Thank you for everything that you have done for us. We love you so much, and we’ll take care of Stinky.
