Michael (Mikey) Charles Stauffer

Michael C. Stauffer was born August 25, 1973 to Nila Marie Bughman and Charles Wayne Stauffer at what is now Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Mike was a native San Diegan who chose to live his entire life here. Mike died of a heart attack on 2-27-2022. Mike was a remarkable son who cherished time with his mom and dad. Family meant everything to him, and he rarely missed a gathering, whether that was a lunch date with Nila or a camping trip on Santa Cruz Island. Mike had lifelong friends from his time growing up in Rancho Penasquitos, Mount Carmel High School (Graduated 1991), his time at San Diego State where he earned his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Masters in Public Administration, or the many friends along the way at his kids' school or hanging out at soccer events.

Julea Minton and Mike shared a long-time relationship with the absolute loves of their lives Nina (12) and Drew (10), being the center of their worlds. There wasn't a conversation, text or plan made that didn't include the girls. Mikes family took some amazing trips to far off places like Alaska, Canada (Banff and Vancouver Island), Puerta Vallarta, Hawaii and endless camping trips locally and around the United States.

One of Mike's true passions was music, from his punk band days in his early 20's to his band FMERA that he shared with band mate Paul Welch and the world, either with live music or professionally recorded compositions.

Mike wasn't letting the world pass him by, he was engaged in his community as well as his children's lives. He was a previous member of the Kensington Community Association and to stay involved in the lives of his awesome kids, Mike also served as a board member of their elementary school Parent Teacher Organization.

Professionally Mike's career spanned multiple decades at Encinitas, Carlsbad, UCSD and Lemon Grove as a Senior Management/Financial Analyst. He was well known and respected in areas of finance, and he had a professional passion for Parks and Recreation, ensuring children and families had a safe and unique experience.

Growing up Mike spent hours riding his bike down what is now Highway 56 on a dirt road for the after-school surf session with friends. This kept Mike in top shape and was known as a standout student athlete during football season for his high school. He also enjoyed his time on motocross bikes. This led to his endless miles hitting the pavement for his daily runs, even to the day of his passing.

All his family, siblings and friends knew Mike as funny, contemplative, caring, quiet but strong, wide ranging in interests and always loving. They knew him for showing up to family gatherings in board shorts and vans or flip flops, wearing his battered old Billabong hat (he wouldn't wear the new one Kim got him for Christmas), always passing on dessert to maintain his healthy lifestyle. Other memories include Mike wearing out an amazing amount of running shoes, not so shyly getting a Churro after family outings at Old Town State Park, quietly cleaning while everyone else was gabbing on, and knowing he was in his calm place when camping and hiking with Julea and the girls.

Mike invested in relationships, with his beautiful daughters being his primary charge. Mike was a phenomenal dad and everyone that knew him could see that. He had unlimited time for Nina and Drew and man, he could rock the soccer dad thing!!! Nina and Drew are amazing little athletes just as Mike was. He took such pride in being a remarkable caregiver, taking care of Nina and Drews emotional, financial, and developmental needs. He planned so well for a day that came way too soon.

The family grew exponentially with the advent of DNA testing, when we all learned of more siblings, we had... Mike loved each of his new brothers and sisters and took it all in with his typical Mike smirk.

Mike's passing is devastating to so many people. Mike died way too young, and it is still almost impossible to believe he isn't physically with us anymore. Mike gave of himself selflessly; he gave warmth, he gave strength, he gave compassion, he gave smiles, he gave advice, but most importantly he gave each person he met, each person he touched some of him. That will last forever.

Mike's services will be held at the Poway Bernardo Mortuary for the public viewing March 17, 2022 from 4:00 till 8:00pm. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Rancho Penasquitos at 11:00am on February 18,2022 followed by the burial ceremony at Dearborn Cemetery in Poway at 1:00 pm. All are invited to celebrate and share memories. We ask that in loving memory of Mike we wear what we all knew him to wear… put on a good old pair of running shoes or a comfy pair of Vans, we think Mike would smile at that.