Michael John Doyle

Michael John Doyle passed away peacefully at home at the age 71 on Grandparent’s Day (9/7/2014). Mike was born on 12/28/42 to Pat and Anne Doyle in Sacramento, CA. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a Master’s degree in 1967 from the University of San Francisco (USF). He taught high school at Jesuit College Prep (1966-68) and Bellarmine College Prep (1969-1979). He worked at National Semiconductor (1979-1981) and Kepner Tregoe (1981-1983). He opened a very successful management consulting and training services company, Doyle & Associates, which operated throughout the United States and internationally (1983-2000). He was also a professor at USF (2000-2003).

He was a man who enjoyed every aspect of life, was full of enthusiasm and humor, and loved to tell a good story. His favorite car was a 1966 MGB which was affectionately named “the blue potato” by his children. Uncontrollable laughter bellowed from the car as he drove with his children to swim meets, the horse stables, or the baseball fields where he coached numerous little league teams. He was an amazing do-it-yourselfer, enjoyed racing at Infineon Raceway, and was an avid Giants fan. Once retired, he spent countless hours volunteering for Rotary International in both the Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa East Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, the Eldridge Foundation, the Medical Reserve Corp, and Homeowners Associations. He also tutored children and youth. He dedicated a major amount of his time and skill by painting St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church during its construction.

His heart and time always placed his family first. He spent 14 years with the light of his life and loving wife, Norma Doyle. Together, hand in hand, they took many adventures, shared laughs, and created lasting memories. Norma will remember him as her true love and life companion. As a wonderful father, Mike will be missed by his devoted children Michelle Doyle of Menlo Park, Patrice Doyle of Santa Rosa, Martin Doyle of Newark, stepson Derek Ellis of Rocklin, and stepdaughter Robyn Ellis of Portland, Oregon. As a fun-loving grandpa, he will be missed by his adoring grandchildren Shylah, Sebastian, and Camila Doyle and Justin Ellis. As a story teller of favorite family memories, he will be missed by his siblings Kathie Yeend (Bob) of Napa, Barbara Roy (Pat) of Glen Ellen, Ken Doyle of Santa Rosa, and Karen Doyle of Sonoma and by his many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a Rosary on September 19, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel 525 West Napa Street in Sonoma, and a funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church on September 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at 4595 Snyder Lane in Rohnert Park. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to: Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East, P.O. Box 2785 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 and made out to: Santa Rosa Rotary East with a note Mike Doyle-Dictionaries. (This is to support free dictionaries for third grade children.)