Michael Medrano, 1984 graduate of Middletown High School, died instantly in a single-car accident on Highway 175 south of Anderson Springs on Sunday morning, Feb. 17, 2008.

Michael is the youngest son of Meriel and Jack Medrano. His father preceded him in death in 1971.

Michael was born on April 14, 1966, and grew up in Anderson Springs with his mother and stepfather George Sweat. He loved all kinds of sports, especially fishing in the local creeks, and was a motorcycle enthusiast.

After graduating from high school, Michael went to Santa Rosa Junior College. He moved to Pasadena, Southern California and started a K-12 textbook company, which grew to be the largest in the state.

While in Southern California, Michael developed a passion for sailing and racing sailboats which he continued pursuing after returning to Lake County in October 2007. Upon his return he made a number of new friends playing at the Anderson Springs Bocce Court.

Michael is survived by his mother, Meriel Medrano; stepfather, George Sweat; brother, Joaquin Medrano; sister, Kari Donley; stepsisters, Victoria, Lisa, Linda and Terry; nephews, Justin and Landon Donley; uncle, Dale Chihuly; grandmother, Naomi Cyr; and a host of friends.

A special memorial service celebrating Michael's life will be held at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.

Donations in memory of Michael should be made to Animal Rescue, One Union Square, 600 University Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101-4107.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}