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Michael Charles Brigaerts

Michael Charles Brigaerts, 45, passed away on Feb. 28, 2011, at his home in Sonoma. Michael was born in San Francisco on Nov. 23, 1965, into the loving arms of Donald and Rita Brigaerts.

Mike grew up in Sonoma and attended Prestwood Elementary, Altimira and Sonoma Valley High School. He enjoyed outdoor motor sports, especially riding his ATV and any type of motorcycle. After high school, Mike went to work as a tree trimmer and was very proud of his work climbing tall eucalyptus trees in spite of his lifelong fight with asthma. After being seriously injured while working on trees, Mike redirected his career path and attended professional property management school. He spent the next 12 years managing large apartment complexes throughout the Bay Area. Mike moved back to Sonoma for the last several years and was able to spend time with his close friends, family and fiancé.

Mike will be remembered for his strong and courageous spirit. He was there for those he loved without hesitation and was the one his friends could always depend on in their time of need. He will be dearly missed by many.

Michael is survived by his two brothers, Timothy and Patrick Brigaerts of Sonoma; his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Kurt Fisher, of Kansas; his aunt, Alice Brigaerts; his niece and nephew, Lauren and Daniel Fisher; his fiancé, Rebecca Paulson and "Little" Michael. He was preceded in death by both parents, Donald and Rita Brigaerts.

Mike's loved ones would like to thank all of the people who helped Mike during the last several years with his ongoing health issues, especially Dr. James Price, Dr. Amy Chagnon, Head Nurse Pauline Hedley and all other staff at Sonoma Valley Hospital.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Mike's life at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Duggan's Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.

Arrangements under the direction of Duggan's Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service.