Funeral services being planned for Pleasanton social worker killed in I-680 crash

My condolences to Mike Rose's family. I know Mike helped a lot of troubled youths in his years of counseling. He cared a lot about the kids he was trying to help.

This is a tragedy for our youth and the entire Pleasanton community. Michael was a wonderful man and will be missed immensely!

Is this the Mike Rose that went to Foothill High School? He had sort of reddish hair?

Pleasanton Weekly - please post a picture

I am in shock. Was this Bettys son? Our condolances to the entire Family He was a Good Caring Man. Years ago we managed a place he rented for 8 years & maybe once we raised the rent $50. Was He on the motorcycle? This is a Tragic Loss.

I just read this so this is not the guy I went to school with. This guy worked in social services according to Graham Hitch mortuary.



The Contra Costa County coroner's office reported Sunday that Michael Rose, 46, of Pleasanton, was the driver killed in a collision early Saturday morning that blocked most of Interstate Highway 680 in Danville for two hours.

Graham-Hitch Mortuary said he worked in social services and details about the services will be announced when confirmed.

The crash occurred at on southbound 680 south of Sycamore Valley Road at around 12:30 a.m., CHP Officer Robert Haven said.

Haven said no additional information was available on the cause of the crash pending an investigation.

We can post a photo as soon as we get one from the family.

This is a tremendous tragedy. Michael was incredibly dedicated to his work with our youth and their families. The positive impact he made is immeasurable and should be honored and celebrated by all that had the fortune to work with him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends as they mourn the loss of this dear man.

Was this Mike any relation to JoeRose the retired Pleasanton Police Officer?

Police Sergeant, Tango..

to the question... ??

unclehomerr..

Talking on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk.

? - Mike was in the truck. Thanks CC!
This is a Tragic Loss and shocking for those of us that knew him. He Loved Life, was a Good Man Served and Cared about All People. Life can be so short; let us all Treat one Another with a little more Compassion and Respect. Today is the 1st Day of the rest of Your Life. Thanks Mike for being a Friend Your Friend Gary Schwaegerle

Ben, do you have information that he was using a cell phone at the time of the accident AND that using a cell phone was the cause of the accident?

Btw, I don't agree with your premise. You are way off base.

An update regarding the cause of the accident would be helpful. Wild speculation isn't helpful.

Gary: Well said and so true. Thank you.

Mike Rose saved my son's life. I am eternally grateful to him as he gave me my son back. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Why is there always that one person (BEN), who has to make the sarcastic and uncalled for remark!?!?1 Ben, do you have substantiated proof of a cell phone call being the cause of the accident? If not, then show some respect for this man and the wonderful work he did with our communty's youth, his family and his friends and keep your hurtful comments to yourself.

I've had it with people on these blogs leaving such uncalled for and judgemental comments when they don't have the facts!

Amen to the last post - I am tired of reading the posts of ignorant residents who make such assumptions.....much like the woman earlier this year whose Explorer hit a tree - the blogs about how she was an irresponsible "soccer mom on a cell phone", if I recall.. the comment was TOTALLY uncalled for, very insensitive, and btw - I know her personally , and she had an accident,plain and simple, that's all it was --leave her alone! ---so don't be making comments like these unless you have something solid to back it up....JEEZ

This accident changed my life. I was not involved nor do I know the victim. I drove through right after it happened. I did not actually see it happen, but it forever changed me in a way I cannot express. I am so sad for the family and that they are grieving the loss of what seems to be a wonderful man who gave back to the community. I can only hope that through this new change in me, I can strive to be like him, a giving person and be of service to others.

To Forever Changed: Thank you for that comment. Nice to read the positive comments on here. I didn't know him but heard of him and yes someone who is in service like this to other people should be recognized in a positive way, thank you.

Mike, was a great person and a big help to so many young adults. My prayers go out to all. If your not sure how the accident happened you should no say anything at all. Just thank god that you knew who Mike was, and how his lif impacted so many others.

To Tango: Mike Rose was not related to Joe Rose.

I called Mike on Sunday morning desperate for his input on issues my daughter is having and I had a feeling something was wrong when I didn't hear back from him right away. I got the news that he was gone just a few minutes before our regular scheduled bi-weekly session yesterday and it still doesn't seem real.

Mike helped me more in the few short months I knew him than anyone else ever has with regards to understanding my teen-age daughter and her challenges. I just wish he could still be here so he could have seen my daughter pull out of the trouble she's in and watch her flourish due to his dedication and genuine concern for her success. I find myself wanting his advice now more than ever, it's going to be hard not having him to lean on. He was an incredible, inspirational, unique human being. My sympathy goes to his family. Rest in peace, Michael.

No words can express how greatful I am for Mike's help and understanding. I only spoke to him a few times and was looking forward to talking again in the future.

He changed many peoples lives and I feel will continue to make changes in others even though he is not physically here to do it.

Bottom line is that it is a very tragic loss. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.

As I read more about Michael, I continue to be touched and saddened by his loss. He certainly had a calling on his life from God and was graced to the work he did; with our youth. His gift will forever live on in those lives he touched.

I continue to pray for his family and loved ones, that they are comforted in knowing how much he was loved, admired and respected.

God Bless.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mike Rose. Praying God will give you all comfort and peace as you mourn the passing of your loved one.

This WAS the Mike rose I went to school with. I know he had struggles in his life like I did but it's awesome to see that he turned himself around and used it to help others! GOD bless him!

My son (17) almost became part of this accident.They were a few cars behind Mike.My son also said there was a cat or small animal that they saw on the freeway. They were there with Mike when he passed. This event has changed his life. I am so very sorry for the families loss. It seems like this community has lost a wonderful man.

Mike has helped, me (a single parent) and my two challenging teenage daughters over the past years. I would always call Mike whenever I needed some quick advice! He was always there on the other end!
I traveled on business last week and my daughters got into some trouble while I was gone. I immediately thought I will call Mike when I return home on Monday only to find out he was killed on Saturday a.m!

My daughters and I are still in shock and so upset. I keep checking online every day for plans on funeral but nothing yet.

Mike was a true blessing and dedicated to helping troubled teens in our community. He will be so missed!!!

I pray every day and night for God to give his family peace, strength and guidence during this tremendous loss.

I, like so many others, will miss Mike and his caring ways. :-( My heart hurts! Cheryl

Michael helped my family when we desperately needed help with our daughter. He gave us insight and guidance at a time when the situation seemed hopeless. Our family will truly miss him. Michael, as a mom, you made me feel I was truly doing my best. I will forever miss you.

I can hardly write this .
Mike was my best friend for over 15 years and I Love him so much. He was going to come over saturday so we could take his puppy for a walk, she died with him.
To the young man who was there with him ....Thank you . I knew he helped allot of kids, it was his passion. It helps to know someone was there and the fact that it was a your young son, I'm so greatful.
To anyone that knew him you will never forget him, and for those of us that love him.... well I have a hole in my heart.

Ben, you don't know anything about what happened and I find your remark to be nothing but crule and unfeeling . Why would you even post that ?????

I feel so very sad. I talked to Mike every week via phone. I am a school counselor and he helped so many of the families I work with. He dedicated his life to helping kids in this community. I will miss him very much and still can't believe this happened. My prayers go out to his family but also to the families that need him so much.

i was one of mike roses patients and i will miss him greatly

Michael gave his all to help the teens in Pleasanton. He went out of the way to answer our phone questions when we as parents were at wit's end. He was helping us deal with issues and it will be very hard to replace him. For now we have to take the knowledge he gave us and use what we taught us. Michael is irreplaceable. God Bless his family and all who loved him. Like Cheryl my heart is hurting.

Cat

Mike always made time for us and our family no matter the day or time. He helped us immensely when we were struggling with our teenage child. Mike was able to connect with our child and gained his respect. He truly did God's work, helping those with emotional pain. He is an inspiration to those he came in contact with. We will miss him immensely and never forget the great work he did. God bless you Mike and your family!

My name is Jeff Schneider. Michael and I were best friends. We've had an ongoing friendship for 32 years. He was like a brother to me. Whenever we had troubles we would call each other. I would like to set up a memorial for him and put it in one of Pleasanton's parks. This is a really hard time for me now. I will miss him so dearly. I am so proud of him for the things he could do to save others life. So goodbye brother. I'll see you later. If anyone has any ideas, please give us a call, Jeff or Julie. (916) 543-4339

Jeff I think a Memorial is a great idea. What about a putting it in a park you and him used to frequent years ago or one of the 2 parks by his office downtown? You could do a bench, someplace where people could sit and ponder their thoughts.

Mike was a incrediable person. He save my sanity many times. No matter what hour you called he answer or moments later. He was my friend, my childrens counselor.I always called him our saving grace. My heart is truly broken. A memorial would be wonderful. My heart aches for his family. My heart aches for the many kids hes helped who are struggling with this. Remember Mike for what he stood for. Now he challenges you to strive and succeed in your goals. Do not let go of his words. He is still with us. In humor: God must of had one hell of a problem, He brought home the best. Salute to all who knew him

In the days that has passed since the sad news of the loss of Michael, this poem if you will came to me and I felt should be shared. Jeff a memorial is a wonderful idea and I think there are many of us that would like to celebrate all that Michael was to us while he was here. My husband Steve and I will be in touch to help in any way!

Hey Man

White chair
White light
Your aura so bright
Twinkle in eyes
Joyful smile
Kid at heart
Kind old sole
Radical
Magical
Unconditional
Strong and
Calm and
Pure
Oh what a man you were
White couch, so worn
so many lives came to it torn
you healed, no yield to your wisdom and fight
to make things right for those
who were lost and found.
How profound your predictions
as you became the addiction
for many seeking your word.
Life cut short, deep pain erupts
An angel on earth and forever more
White chair, white couch
God knows that was only a slice
of what you were all about
Thank you my friend
Your work will never end
we will carry your grace
in every possible place
with pride and appreciation
and in grand celebration
of you!

jk 07-31-09

My family just heard the news today about the loss of Michael, we are so sadden by the news. Karen I couldn't agree with you more, Michael saved my sanity many times as well, he was so real and honest. He made me feel like I had a purpose in life. I will miss those session's on that white couch. He was a true blessing to my family. He will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Michael.........

I had been going to many sessions with Michael for the past 6 years and I'm feel like i got punched in the stomach when i heard the news earlier today. Michael, thank you so much for all your work with me and all the other younger kids/ youths and Rest In Peace brother...

Jennifer,

The poem you have written is beautiful.

I grew up in Pleasanton and was a patient of Mike's in my teenage years a little over 10 years ago. He had a positive impact on a lot of lives, mine included. He really cared about the kids he worked with. I am so sorry to hear of this tradgedy, and of course my prayers go out to his familiy and friends. He will be missed.

I think the memorial in a park is a great idea. He used to take the kids in my group that he counciled to the park at the end of Main Street next to Bernal.

My family and I had the privilege of having him as our therapist for over a year. He was able to help my children more than anyone and wasn't afraid to speak the truth. I cannot express how sad I am and the great loss that our community has experienced. I hope someday I can be half the therapist he was.

I am 19 and was a weekly visitor of Michael. He was my counselor for a while now and although I was forced by my parents to see him, he always listened and respected my decisions no matter what. He was a good man and No one deserves to go like he did. Rip Michael Rose

We will miss Michael tremendously. This evening my wife shared with me the sad news. Just yesterday I left a message for Michael not knowing of the tragedy. Michael was the person my wife and I turned to when faced with some of life’s challenges. We not only sought out Michael during difficult times, but also to shared good news with him. The day my son was born I sent Michael a message. He responded promptly with kind words. I am honored to have known Michael and very saddened with his passing. My wife and I will send him good thoughts and pray that the friends and loved ones he left behind will find some peace knowing that Michael touched the lives of so many in such a positive and loving way.

Are we still able to express our thoughts and feelings on this website??????

I think it is alright or go to the other site as it was newer. Web Link
not sure how many people are still finding out about this as people arrive back from summers off.

To anyone who wants to be included in a public celebration of Michael Rose's life, please contact me. lmanjarrezmfti@yahoo.com
I am very sorry for your loss.

[Post removed due to hearsay]

Mike and I were in the Coast Guard together in New York City on Governor's Island for Electronics Technician School in 1980/81.
We were young and NYC was fantastic -
Had the time of our lives.
Rest in peace Mike. -
- Larry
facebook.com/Linn.Larry
(I had to select one of the neighborhoods listed in order to post this. I actually live in Seattle.)