It’s fitting that Mike Pahos was laid to rest on Valentine’s Day. He was a man with a sweet tooth and a heart bursting with love and gratitude for his family, his friends, his fine life, and his deep, abiding faith. His last words were “I’m the luckiest man in the world.” But those whose lives he touched believe they are the lucky ones. Local mourners were joined by loved ones who traveled from Kauai, Northern California, the East Coast, and the Pacific Northwest to pay their respects.
Mike was truly a man for all seasons, who inspired and empowered others as he set about his long and wonderful life, which included a green thumb when it came to managing the city and county parks. Whether one is born to such a significant life or one sets out to make it so is something we might all ponder.
Mike turned 90 last summer, but his spirit was that of a much younger man, one who still loved to sing, to dance, to enjoy fine company and good food. At the party to celebrate his birthday, he wore his birthday crown and a Hawaiian shirt. He joined with his longtime companions the Holly Berry singers in full-throated choruses of soulful Greek folk songs. As they sang, daughter Maria and son Theo expertly danced the ancient steps they learned from their father when they were just tiny; ever the proud father, Mike nodded his approval.