Memorial Service Planned for South Pasadena Man

The following obituary was submitted by Michael Rosecrans' sister, Kimberly Coxwell. 

Michael Ryan “Mike” Rosecrans, 42, died August 27, 2012 in Glendora, CA, with his family by his side.

A memorial service and reception will be held Friday at 10 am at Christ’s Church of the Valley, 1404 Covina Blvd., San Dimas, CA. 

Michael was born August 23, 1970 in Pasadena, CA.  In 1971 he moved with his family to Michigan for 3 years before returning to California where he was raised in his home town of South Pasadena.

As a young boy, Michael was an avid member of Indian Guides, and as he grew he enjoyed working on carpentry and car projects with his dad, frequently visited the beaches and the mountains, loved his pets, became an avid cook by the age of 15, and built a motorcycle by himself.  He was an adoring and affectionate son to his mother, and a best friend to his sister.  He seemed to be born laughing -- always a class clown, enthusiastic, bringing happiness to anyone he could.  He made friends easily and was a confidante to many.  

Michael had his share of personal trials but overcame them with the unconditional love of his family and friends who never let him give up.  He grew into a passionate, sensitive, and strong young man and dreamed of someday having a family of his own.  

At the age of 19, Michael was the victim of an unsolved violent crime in South Pasadena.  A gun shot wound resulted in a traumatic head injury that left him permanently disabled.

He will forever be known as a “Hero”; someone who went to any lengths to make you laugh, to make you feel loved, to do anything he could to rescue you if you were in need...no matter the cost.  He was a true friend and dearly loved.  Even during the last 2 decades of his life, though he lay in a severely brain-injured state, he greatly impacted the people around him and was considered a friend to many who hadn’t known him prior to his accident.

Michael is survived by his mother, Alma McMichael, his step-father, Don McMichael, his sister, Kimberly Coxwell, and his niece, Ryan Escamilla.  He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Rosecrans. 

Arrangements are with Oakdale Mortuary in Glendora, CA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Chosen Children of Promise (CCP), c/o Life House Foundation for Children, P.O. Box 1005, Glendora CA  91741.  (Checks need to be made out to Life House Foundation for Children with the designation “For CCP in Memory of Michael Rosecrans” in the notation line.)

Chosen Children of Promise works within one of the largest slums in the world to identify and help orphaned children. The goal of CCP is to empower the impoverished in Jesus name. For more information visit:  www.ccpkenya.org