Michael “Mike” D. Bautista passed away at Hazel Hawkins Hospital Saturday Nov. 15th at the age of 63 years. A native of Gilroy, CA and a graduate of Gilroy High School, Mike moved to San Benito County in the 1960’s. He was a Vietnam Veteran, a member of the Old Mission San Juan Bautista Parish; and a former member of the Top Hatters.
Mike was a mechanic since the age of twelve, said his family. His life revolved around his family, motorcycles; fast cars and fast motorcycles; hunting and fishing- specifically in Montana. Mike loved to ride “bikes” – going to Sturgis several times and to Reno and Laughlin for “Street Vibrations”. “Mike was known as a great people person, the best joke teller, a lover of animals especially his own dogs Kilo, Fancy, Lola and Bonehead, and the Karoke “star”, said his nieces. He is the son of Laura Bautista and the late Mariano Bautista. Surviving also is his wife of 34 years Jenny “Juana” Bautista; his children Mark Ruiz of Hollister, Adam Bautista of San Francisco, Jamie “Bubba” Bautista (George Salgado Jr. ) and Nicholas Bautista of San Juan Bautista; grandchildren Stephen, Melissa, and Laurarose Bautista, and Jacob Salgado.; his sister Sybil Batrez (Rosen) of Hollister; nieces Lori and Karen Ramirez, and Charley Guevara; relatives in Montana; his caregiver Sarah Saavedra, his life long friend Raymond Alnas, and a host of other family members and friends.
Visitaton will be held at Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister on Thursday Nov. 20th from 12 noon until 8:00 P.M. with a Vigil Ceremony commencing at 7:00 P.M. Family and friends will leave the funeral home Friday morning at 11:15 A.M. to proceed to the Old Mission San Juan Bautista for a Mass Of The Resurrection beginning at 12 Noon. Interment with military honors provided by Hollister Post No. 9242 V.F.W. will follow at San Juan District Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Mike Bautista Memorial Fund Acct. #0102423456 San Benito Bank c/o the funeral home chapel. For condolences visit: www.grunnagle.com
