Michael Sanford Donabedian

Michael Sanford Donabedian 1943 ~ 2013 Michael Sanford Donabedian, 70 of Jerome Idaho passed away peacefully at his home in Jerome, Monday, August 12, 2013. Mike was brought into the world on June 14, 1943 by "Minnie" Georgene Davis Presely and Haig Donabedian in Turlock, California. He was later blessed with two brothers and a sister, Bob Donabedian of Orangedale, California, Ron Donabedian of Rocklin California and Margaret Manion of Grants Pass, Oregon, completing a family of 6. From early childhood, Mike always enjoyed new challenges and adventures. Mike attended high school in Turlock, California, but did not completed due to enlistment in the Navy in 1961, where he served on the USS Midway until 1965. During the time he served our country, he achieved his GED, fought in the Vietnam War and married the love of his life, Barbara Thompson. They were married August 27, 1966 in Turlock, California, married 47 years but were together a total of 51 years. The happy couple started the family of their own and raise three beautiful children, Jackie Lee Donabedian & Christy Ann Donabedian, both of Jerome, ID and Janette Marie Smith of Ceres, California. After Mike entered the Navy Reserve, he began working for Turlock Irrigation District, and remained there for 33 years in order to support his family. He moved up in the company as a Lead for Pesticides Weed Control Operator and retired from TID in 2000. When contacting his former coworker and best friend for many years, Joe Sequiera, he stated "Mike was a good one"when he was asked about Mike as a Lead and employee of the company. Mike enjoyed numerous activities mostly outdoors, such as hunting, fishing, the ocean, taking long rides on his motorcycle, the mountains and traveling. He also like to be stylish, no matter what he was doing. He could dress any way from a mean looking biker to his most recent, the handsome cowboy. No matter what he enjoyed doing, he was always very family oriented and love spending as much time as he could with his family. To this day, he has a total of 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and another great-grandchild on the way. Mike was an inspiration to many, he was strong-willed dedicated and graceful, much like the Eagles he loved to watch soar in the sky. Though there were many hard times and triumphs in his life, including his last days with us, you never heard him complain. He always did as needed and kept going strong. He was truly an inspiration to not take what you have for granted and live every day to its fullest. On August 12, 2013, Mike rejoined his best friend and lifelong companion as well as his parents, one grandchild and one great-grandchild in the Eternity of Heaven. The family would like to extend a big thank you to Gould Medical Foundation of Modesto California, Davita of Ceres, CA as well as Hospice Visions of Twin Falls Idaho, and Dr. Elizabeth Sugden of St. Luke's Jerome Family Medicine in Jerome Idaho for all their care and efforts. A celebration of life for Mike Donabedian will be held Friday, August 16, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls, ID 83301. Anyone that knew him or would like to come and support the family is welcome. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls Idaho. Those wishing to share memories or condolences may do so on Mike's Memorial webpage at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.