Michael Ray Dareing

He was born in Arkansas but grew up in Fremont, California attending different high schools until his permanent high school Mission San Jose was built. His class was the first to graduate after the new build. He played football and track and worked during his time in high school. For his adult life he moved and made Oakdale, California his home.

He was hardworking, patriotic, strong, independent, and always willing to help. He believed in taking care of his family and friends, working hard, and doing whatever needed to be done.

Daddio loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, recreation, and simply being outside. Some of our favorite memories will always be hiking, rafting, boating, fishing, camping, and sharing stories. The laughter and the core memories he brought to all of us will never be forgotten. Even though he worked his tail off to make memories for us, he made it look effortless, and never complained about any trouble of planning the adventures. He enjoyed it so much, not only for himself, but for us to share in what he loved. We grew to love it through him.

Daddio was a fixer. If something was broken, or someone felt broken he would figure it out. He would clean up the mess. All solo. If something needed to be built, he found a way to build it. If something had to be repaired, he repaired it. His to do list was never-ending yet he never fell behind on it. He was a go getter and problem solver. Giving up was not in his DNA.

Can we talk about his sense of humor, light spirited soul? He could make us laugh with a simple quick wit comment, a perfectly timed joke, or one of his stories. Those little moments may have seemed ordinary at the time, but they are now some of the memories we will treasure most.

Dad was a proud Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He served his country with courage and sacrifice, and we will always be proud of his service, though we will never fully understand the sacrifice and aftermath he encountered. We just know he adapted to civilian life rather swiftly. Though beat and broken all we saw in our Dad was his strength and resilience persevering to be the best Dad, spouse and friend he could be.

But to us, he wasn’t just a veteran.

To me he was a lion, and a lion is strong hearted, and a fighter in life.

He was a man of action, and worked hard for his family and friends. He provided, protected, and proved his worth every second of every day. Never giving up, and always pushing forward. Past pain, past anguish, past tiredness, he showed up for the one's he loved.

Looking back, we realize that all those things—the things he fixed, the things he built, the problems he solved, and the times he simply showed up—were his way of saying, "You know I care."

We will miss his humor.

We will miss his stories.

We will miss his determination and the way he could figure out just about anything and everything. He was so tech savvy also, keeping up with the changing times in technology. We all know how much he liked posting on Facebook. yet he also had Tim Tok, Chat GPT, instagram, and snap chat. I would say his favorite was Facebook market place. Today's classified ads. He bought a Jeep just before going into a medical procedure and picked it up next day. He was a man of his word. He didn't ghost anyone or end up a no show when he bought something.

The man had stories. Stories that kept my attention, stories explained in a way that would put me right where he was describing. The man was sharp down to names of people in high school. peers teachers, neighbors, acquaintances, he remembers them all.

Dad’s greatest legacy isn’t his history, it's the kindness he provided, the social connections he made along the way. his loyalties. We as his friends and family are his legacy. to share his stories and make sure the memory of him lives on in all of us. His impact on so many is proof he was a one of a kind light in the world

He taught us to take care of our people, figure things out, and never give up. One thing he would always say to me was " Get up, Clean up, Show up, and Never Give Up!" That was him. Those lessons will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Dad, we are proud of you. We are proud of the man you were, and proud to call you our father.

You worked hard. You served your country. You took care of your family. You built, you fixed, you taught, you laughed, and you lived life Michael Ray's way.

Now, Dad, we strive to be all you encompassed

We will carry you with us—in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and in the love we have for you. That love will never fade.

As you rest, we continue on the path keeping you close in our thoughts.

Thank you for being my Daddy, and my biggest hero.

Rest easy, Daddio